By: Hope Hensley
September 13, 2026
DENVER, Co. — Forward Hannah Hayes delivered a standout first-half performance, scoring twice in a five-minute stretch to lead the Westmont Warriors women's soccer team to a 2–1 victory over Metropolitan State University of Denver on Sunday afternoon at The Assembly Athletic Complex. The victory marks Westmont's first win of the season.
Match Breakdown
Westmont came out aggressive in the opening half, outshooting the Roadrunners 8–4 in the first 45 minutes. The Warriors' persistence paid off in the 31st minute when defender Estella Bacsafra connected with Hayes, who slotted home her first goal of the season to put Westmont ahead 1–0.
Hayes struck again less than five minutes later in the 36th minute, unassisted, doubling the Warriors' advantage heading into halftime.
MSU Denver cut into the lead in the 63rd minute when Jaslyn Sanders found the net off an assist from Sandra Swartz. However, Westmont's defense—anchored by 90-minute efforts from Madison Ford and goalkeeper Ellie Ludwig—held firm down the stretch to secure the 2–1 victory. Ludwig recorded three saves on four shots on target to seal the win.
- Key Stats: Westmont outshot MSU Denver 9–7 overall. Both teams placed four shots on target, with Ludwig making three saves for Westmont and Morgan Shirley making two for MSU Denver.
- Performers: Hannah Hayes led the attack with two goals on two shots. Estella Bacsafra logged an assist, while Ellie Gilbert and Aubrie Ambrozic each recorded a shot on goal.
Head Coach Lauren Matthias:
"We were able to get a short training in yesterday, and we just continued to reinforce what's working and helping us be dangerous: driving at speed 1v1 in the final third, taking quick shots, and creating 2v1s. As a staff, we really wanted to positively reinforce and give confidence to what is working.
"I'm super stoked and proud of Hannah [Hayes]. She's been finishing so well in training and being so coachable, so it was great to see her convert. Stella [Bacsafra] played a big role in our attack today and helped connect that forward pass. Our backline and keeper were exceptional today and problem-solved some tactical things in the second half.
"We had multiple players battling altitude sickness today during the match, so it was imperative for us to rotate. I'm super proud of our group for two hard games on the road in altitude—they showed some real grit this weekend. We are super happy with our development right now and have earned some much-needed rest this next week."
