Bakersfield College Women’s soccer team had their first game at home when they hosted Ventura College Lady Pirates Sept. 22, in a closed game that finished 1-2 in favor of the Pirates.

During the first 20 minutes of the first half, neither team could impose conditions. The Renegades had the only clear chance when forward, Terryn Soelberg, dribbled two opponents but her shot went above the crossbar.

Past the first half hour, the Pirates gained possession and controlled the game exploding the sides of the field, but the Renegades’ defense looked secure.

Ventura College had their best chances at the feet of midfielder, Jazmarae Strozier who played as a forward for the first half of the game. Strozier attempted four shots during the first 35 minutes but had not luck putting the ball in the net.

BC’s midfielder Morgan Hagen, had of couple of chances to try and shoot, but she chose to pass the ball instead. Both teams went to the break with no goals.

For the second half, Ventura surprised Bakersfield with an early goal. It wasn’t even five minutes in the clock when a crossed ball bounced in the Renegades’ penalty area and Ventura’s Taylor Benton closed the play to shoot with the left foot and open the score for the visitors.

The goal, far from bringing down the Renegades’ spirit, served to wake up the team. After Ventura’s goal, BC gained control of the game and began creating more elaborated attacks.

On the fifth minute, Jessica Crowe from BC ran by the left side of the Pirates’ penalty area and crossed a perfect ball for Amber Beckham, but her header passed just inches off the post.

During the 10th minute, Hagen dribbled a Pirates’ defender and entered the penalty area, but this time instead of passing the ball she made a right-foot shot that bounced on the crossbar and went in to tie the game.

One minute later, Soelberg had a chance to put BC ahead. After a good pass, she faced Ventura’s goalkeeper and tipped the ball over the crossbar. On the next play, Soelberg made a cross to Beckham who again failed to finish the play.

Ventura lost their attack power when Coach Steve Hoffman, relegated Strozier to play in midfield for the second half. The Renegades held possession and insisted to score again, but luck wasn’t on their side.

It was on the 36th minute when a long pass got behind BC’s defense, and after a bounce, Ventura’s forward, Yadira Toraya headed the ball to the post. Toraya always followed the ball and picked up the rebound to score an easy goal.

The Renegades tried to tie the game, but couldn’t produce clear opportunities after Ventura’s second goal.

At the end Ventura took an important win that improved their record to 6-2-0. The Renegades’ record went to 2-4-0.