Hannah Hayes scored two first-half goals within five minutes to propel the Westmont Warriors women’s soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Metropolitan State University of Denver on September 13 at The Assembly Athletic Complex in Denver, Colorado. The win marked Westmont’s first of the 2026 season.
Defender Estella Bacsafra assisted Hayes’ first goal at the 31st minute to give Westmont a 1-0 lead. Hayes then scored unassisted in the 36th minute, doubling the Warriors’ advantage heading into halftime. Westmont outshot MSU Denver 8-4 in the first half and 9-7 overall.
MSU Denver cut into the lead in the 63rd minute when Jaslyn Sanders scored, assisted by Sandra Swartz, making the score 2-1. However, Westmont’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Ellie Ludwig and defender Madison Ford, held firm for the remainder of the match. Ludwig played the full 90 minutes, making three saves on four shots on target.
Westmont head coach Lauren Matthias praised her team’s performance, highlighting Hayes’ finishing, Bacsafra’s offensive contribution, and the defense’s tactical problem-solving. Matthias also noted that altitude sickness affected multiple players, necessitating player rotations throughout the game. She expressed pride in the team’s grit over two challenging away games at altitude and said the group has earned some rest before their next matches.
CSB Take
The Westmont Warriors women’s soccer team demonstrated resilience and cohesion under tough conditions, securing their first win of the season on the road at high altitude. Hannah Hayes’ emergence as a reliable scorer early in the season, combined with Estella Bacsafra’s playmaking abilities, signals potential for a potent offense. The coaching staff’s management of altitude-related challenges through strategic rotations revealed adaptability essential for sustained success. This victory provides a strong foundation as the Warriors aim to build momentum in their upcoming games.
Source: Original report
