MERCED, Calif. – On Saturday out at Bobcat Field, Academy of Art women's soccer hung tough against UC Merced, but a scoreless tie was broken up by a Bobcats goal in the 32nd minute and that 1-0 score would preserve through a match highlighted by many defensive stops.

Eager to get up early, the Bobcats (3-0-1) struck away at goal six times in the first 16 minutes of the match while ART U (1-1-0) had an attempt from sophomore forward Danielle Medellin come in the 22nd minute, but it sailed high. Freshman defender/forward Jade Alverio offered one of the best opportunities at the equalizer in the 49th minute, but it would be saved by the UC Merced goalkeeper and Medellin again had a chance that went over the crossbar just over 10 minutes later.

Freshman goalkeeper Kayla Hampton recorded 11 saves in just the second collegiate match of her career which ranked as the third-highest total by a freshman in program history, only behind teammate Alicia Calderon's record-breaking save totals of 16 and 15 made just last season. Hampton accomplished this feat while allowing one score off a deflection near the net that would ultimately be the game-winning goal as the remainder of the match remained scoreless.

Academy of Art returns to the pitch next Saturday, Sept. 9 with a 1 p.m. matchup at Cal State Monterey Bay.