By Ron Smith
October 16, 2019
 
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) Westmont Women's Soccer, ranked sixth in the NAIA, finished off the first half of its Golden State Athletic Conference schedule with a 2-0 win over Hope International (6-8, 1-3 GSAC). As a result, Westmont improved its overall record to 10-1-1 overall and 4-0 in GSAC play.
 
Katie Stella and Bri Johnson provided the Warriors' firepower with two dazzling, unassisted goals.
 
Stella's came in the 30th minute after Maddi Berthoud forwarded her the ball from midfield. Stella received the pass 25 yards from the goal, then cut inside to shake her defender. Stella then raced unabated toward the goal.
 
The keeper held her ground until Stella came within 12 yards. She then moved toward the oncoming sophomore forward. As the keeper began to slide, Stella slid the ball past her and into the waiting net.
 
The Warriors held a 1-0 lead until Johnson's goal in the 54 minute. From the midfield line, Willow Martin sent a ball ahead on the right side. Johnson touched the ball forward at full speed, getting ahead of her defender.
 
About fifteen yards from the end line, Johnson raced toward the goal. Two feet from the end line and nine feet from goal, Johnson fired off a shot that streaked between the near post and keeper while the keeper's left foot was nearly in contact with, if not touching, the post. The ball creased the middle of the net to register Johnson's ninth goal of the season and eighth goal in the last six games.
 
Johnson has now scored in each of the last four games.
 
Westmont goalkeeper Gabi Haw notched two saves late in the game to preserve her seventh shutout of the season. The junior keeper has allowed just one goal in conference play.
 
At the midway point, the Warriors sit atop the GSAC standings with 12 points (three for each win). At 3-0 in league play, OUAZ (Ariz.) (10-3 overall) is tied with Vanguard (7-2-2, 3-1) for second place with nine points. The Master's (7-3-3, 2-1) and San Diego Christian (5-9, 2-3) are tied for fourth place with six points.
 
Westmont will travel to Santa Clarita on Saturday to take on The Master's in a game slated for an 11:00 a.m. start.