By Ron Smith
August 14, 2021
 
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) "Experimentation was the theme today," said Westmont head coach Jenny Jaggard about tonight's 3-0 exhibition loss at UC Santa Barbara. "We looked at it as an opportunity to try new things.
 
"We went out in a different shape for the first time and with some new players. There is a lot of shuffling of people around and trying people in different positions. I think this is a valuable thing right now that will help us figure out what will work for us and what shape we will be in. Hopefully, we will have a couple of different options."
 
The Gaucho's first score came in the ninth minute after a shot by Sophia Vivar ricocheted off the left goal post. Vivar's shot from the right side, just inside the 18-yard box, went past a diving Westmont goalkeeper - Kailey Meyer - before hitting the upright. The ball found the feet of Claire Grouwinkel inside the six-yard box, who redirected the orb into an empty net.
 
Grace Duckens had Westmont's best opportunity to score in the first half. Duckens had the ball inside the six-yard box in the 32nd minute, but Gaucho keeper Evann Smith was in perfect position to secure the save.
 
In the 41st minute, Meyer notched a save for the Warriors off a shot from forward Jessica Wright. After an extended halftime Meyer recorded her second save of a shot by Dylan Lewis.
 
"I think Kailey made some great saves for us and kept us in it," noted Jaggard. "She brings a lot of energy."
 
UCSB scored its second goal in the 61st minute when O'Callahan Liu received a cross from Lindsey Porter on the left side and slotted the ball past Charlotte Chipembere, who had taken over in goal for the Warriors.
 
The Gauchos scored again in the 72nd minute when Wright sent a ball forward to Lewis who scored from 15-yards out.
 
Chimpebere recorded saves in the 83rd and 87th minutes. The first was off a shot by Meg Burling. Four minutes later, on a shot by Liu from 8-yards out, Chimpebere stuck out her right foot to prevent the goal.
 
"UCSB is fast and moved the ball very well tonight," acknowledged Jaggard. "It put us in a defensive position more than we are used to."
 
In regard to the benefits of tonight's exhibition, Jaggard said, "We are starting to pick up on some chemistry between players, who plays well together and in what shape their attributes lend themselves to."
 
The Warriors will have additional opportunities to refine their game plan in a pair of scrimmages scheduled for August 21 and August 23, both at Thorrington Field. Westmont will play its first countable game on September 1 in a non-conference home match-up with Southern Oregon.