By Stephani Bee

Freshman goalkeeper Jessica Change makes a great save against the Lobos' offense. Photo by Juan Velez.

For the Daily Titan

The Cal State Fullerton women’s soccer team took on the University of New Mexico Sunday afternoon on Senior Day at Titan Stadium, ending with a scoreless tie in double overtime.

Prior to the match, departing senior midfielder/defender Jackie Hovda was honored for her contributions to the Titans, including her help in leading the team to a Big West regular season conference title and an NCAA Tournament berth in 2007.

Hovda said she feels that she has grown considerably since joining the team four years ago and was touched by the ceremony that honored her achievements.

“I’ve grown exponentially,” said Hovda, who has played nearly every position for the team over the years.

“Coming in, I was a freshman. I’ve learned so much and I’ve learned every year. I loved (the ceremony). It was so nice. My teammates are amazing. They made this day special for me. My family flew out from Idaho. It was just a great time.”

Third-year Titan head coach Demian Brown had glowing remarks for his departing senior.

“She’s a tremendous role model in the sense of how she carries herself,” Brown said. “She has a tremendous sense of humor and a tremendous work rate.”

Playing in 80 degree heat, the Titans (4-8-5, 2-3-1 in the Big West), struggled against the Lobos (11-4-3) to maintain possession of the ball throughout the first 15 minutes.

CSUF began to crack the New Mexico defense, but opportunities to score were quickly snuffed out, with many shots sent out of bounds.

An 18th minute corner kick taken by junior midfielder Christina Murillo was headed straight at Kelli Cornell, the Lobos’ freshman goalkeeper.

New Mexico’s best shot to score came on a free kick taken in the 27th minute by junior defender Elizabeth Lambert.

Sophomore forward Roxie McFarland connected with Lambert’s strike, but CSUF freshman goalkeeper Jessica Change handled the looping shot easily in the air.

Brown had a quick hook in the scoreless first half, substituting many of his starters with an eye toward upcoming conference matches.

“Today was a good opportunity, because it was nonconference, for us to rest some girls who have put in a lion’s share of time,” Brown said. “We wanted to get some girls the start and then get them some rest.”

The second half began with continuous changes in possession, mimicking the first half. However, within 10 minutes, New Mexico opened with a flurry of shots on the Titan defense.

The Lobos’ sophomore forward Jennifer Williams took aim on a corner kick, which was hit away by Change and cleared by Titan freshman forward Kirsten Morony.

Freshman midfielder Felicia Franco tries to make a play against New Mexico. Photo by Juan Velez.

The Lobos gained steam when Williams managed to break away from the pack in the 53rd minute. Streaking toward the goal, she was stopped inside the box on a diving save by Change.

One minute later, another shot by Williams was saved on a leaping grab by Change, who put up a clean sheet and earned four saves.

“I was just trying to read her and read the ball. She took a bad touch – that’s when I just went after it,” said Change of her save.

Starting in her first career match, Change was proud of her performance on the field.

“It feels really good because my whole family was able to see me and I made a couple of really good saves. It was nice to have my coaches see that and show that I can do that against a Division I school,” said Change.

In the final minute of regulation, Williams again took control for New Mexico, cracking a shot just out of the reach of a diving Change. The ball, however, deflected off of Change’s hand and hit the left post, allowing Change the time to recover and prevent further shots to be taken and sending the match into overtime.

Both teams were provided with multiple opportunities to seal a victory for their side, but neither could capitalize as the game ended scoreless in double overtime. Hovda was disappointed in the tie, but is looking toward the next match.

“We should have beat them,” Hovda said. “But it was a long game. We’re just preparing for the next two games.”

Murillo felt that the team played well but didn’t finish the job.

“We played strong. We had some opportunities and we just need to put them away,” Murillo said.

The Titans’ next game will be against UC Davis at Titan Stadium on Friday at 7 p.m.