MERCED, Calif. – Cal State East Bay women's soccer continued its strong start to conference play Sunday afternoon, earning a 1-0 road victory over UC Merced on a late goal by Kella Folkerts. The Pioneers improved to 4-4-1 overall and 2-0-0 in CCAA action, while the Bobcats dropped to 4-2-3 and 1-1-0.
 
After a scoreless first half, the Pioneers capitalized in the 81^st minute behind Folkerts' third goal of the season.  The play began with a pass out wide to Taylor Hodges who pushed forward into the box.  She sent a pass towards the front of the net that was touched by a defender before Folkerts finished it off.
 
The goal capped a strong defensive performance by the Pioneers, who weathered 10 UC Merced corner kicks and 12 total shots. Goalkeeper Ashley Levi anchored the back line with a three-save shutout, her second clean sheet of the season.
 
Offensively, East Bay tallied six shots, with three on goal, including two from Abigail Kern to lead the team. 
 
With the win, Cal State East Bay has now won back-to-back matches to open CCAA play for the first time since 2021. The Pioneers head out on the road next week for a pair of matches, taking on Cal Poly Humboldt on Friday and Cal State San Marcos on Sunday.