SACRAMENTO - Fresno State's offense came to life and then some on Sunday afternoon at Hornet Field as the Bulldogs defeated Sacramento State 6-0 for the first win of 2025. Five Bulldogs scored their first collegiate goals on Sunday.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State looked to create opportunities early in the offensive zone, but Sacramento State's defense spoiled their efforts by negating multiple cross attempts by the Bulldogs. After generating their first shot on goal off a free kick by Laura Mas Serra, Fresno State's offense continued to sustain pressure in the Hornets zone while producing quality scoring chances.
After having the Hornets playing on their heels for a majority of the first half, Katie Morris capitalized on a crosser from Lauren Muchuca in the 38th minute to give the Bulldogs their first lead of the season. Fresno State wasted no time doubling their lead after being rewarded a corner kick that resulted in sophomore Aniston Renovato's first career goal as a Bulldog off an assist from Kayla Robinson in the 40th minute. The Bulldogs went into half holding a 2-0 lead and a 11-2 advantage in shots.
Fresno State remained aggressive offensively at the start of the second half as they looked to expand their lead over the Hornets. In the 51st minute, the Bulldogs took advantage of a corner kick again that translated into another first career goal, this time off the leg of freshman Addison Sanchez in front of the net to give the 'Dogs a 3-0 lead.
Despite seeing little action in the first half, goalie Shivani Battaglia stayed sharp and made her only save of the game off a shot from Tea Reyes in the 57th minute.
Entering the 70th minute with a 3-0 lead, the Bulldogs found the back of the net twice in the span of a minute, starting with Payton Hoover scoring her first collegiate goal off a strike from the top of the box. Hoover added another tally to the scoresheet again just seconds later after assisting on Abigail Herren's first career goal after the freshman midfielder caught the Hornet goaltender out of position. Fresno State added one more goal in the 87th minute from Shae Kuntz who sent a strike from the top right of the box to score her first career goal and finish off the Bulldogs impressive offensive performance on the day at Hornet Field.
NOTES
Fresno State improves to 1-1-2 on the season following their first win on the season
Fresno State has yet to lose on the road this season (1-0-1)
Fresno State's six goals were the most scored in a game since 2003 (Oct. 10 vs San Jose State; 7-1)
The six goals were the most scored in a game under head coach Brian Zwashcka
Five Bulldogs scored their first collegiate goals (Aniston Renovato, Addison Sanchez, Payton Hoover, Abigail Herren, Shae Kuntz)
Three Bulldogs recorded their first minutes of the season (Ashton Conley, Mason Morton, Shae Kuntz)
Nine different Bulldogs found the scoresheet against Sacramento State
Katie Morris led the Bulldogs in points with four (1g, 2a)
Fresno State recorded season highs in goals (6), shots (20), shots on goal (11), and assists (6)
Freshman Abigail Herren led the Bulldogs with four shots
Fresno State's victory was only their second ever at Hornet Field and first since 2015 (Sept.13, 1-0)
All seven of Fresno State's victories over Sacramento State in program history have been shutouts
SCORING SUMMARY
38:57 - FS - Katie Morris (Lauren Machuca)
40:28 - FS - Aniston Renovato (Kayla Robinson)
51:01 - FS - Addison Sanchez (Katie Morris)
71:39 - FS - Payton Hoover
72:44 - FS- Abigail Herren (Payton Hoover)
87:13 - FS - Shae Kuntz (Katie Morris, Tiana Beavers)
UP NEXT
Fresno State will travel south to take on CSU Bakersfield on Thursday Sept. 4 at CSUB Soccer Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT