Santa Clara women’s soccer (7-2-4, 3-0) entered the locker room at halftime tied 0-0 with the Pacific Tigers (1-9-1, 0-1-2) despite controlling possession for almost all 45 minutes. 

Star forward Kennedy Schoennauer ’27 had multiple chances early but couldn’t get one past Pacific’s goalkeeper, Ava Wells, who was busy all day with seven saves after 22 total Bronco shots. Schonennauer leads the nation in shots per game at 5.38 and showed why in today’s matchup, constantly threatening with another six shots attempted.

“The first half went exactly how they wanted it to go,” said head coach Jerry Smith when asked about his team’s performance. “Pacific is a very tough defensive team and made it difficult on us.”

The second half was a complete change of pace.

Schonennauer broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, scoring her 11th goal of the season off assists from forward Litsy Alcocer ’30 and defender Lucy Wimsatt ’30. The goal tied Schonennauer for seventh in the nation in goals scored and tied her career high for goals in a single season.

In the 63rd minute, Jacey Martinez ’27 doubled the Broncos’ lead with a beautiful header off a corner kick from Alcocer, her second assist of the night. The goal was Martinez’s first as a Bronco after battling injuries throughout her career. 

Pacific got on the board with just a minute left after a bad bounce for keeper Ally Harrison ’27 led to a goal from forward Kaya Rosa. The Broncos defended well despite the late goal, allowing only 2 shots on goal and none through the first 80 minutes.

Santa Clara Women’s soccer now heads to Los Angeles to face Loyola Marymount University, looking to stay undefeated in conference play. LMU also enters the matchup with a 3-0 WCC record, making it a crucial game. “It’s a battle for first place on Saturday,” said Smith. The win marks Smith’s 576th career win, the second most for D1 women’s soccer coaches.