TURLOCK, Calif. — In front of 511 fans at Warrior Stadium, the Stanislaus State women's soccer team captured the Cowbell Cup with a thrilling 1-0 victory over UC Merced on Sunday night. The rivalry clash came down to the wire, with the Warriors capitalizing on a late own goal to lift the trophy and improve to 4-1-2 on the season.
First Half:
Both teams came out battling in a tightly contested opening half. UC Merced (3-1-3) generated five shots, testing the Warrior defense, but goalkeeper Zara Mujica and the back line held firm. Stan State countered with three shots of its own, though neither side was able to find the breakthrough before the halftime whistle, sending the Cowbell Cup deadlocked at 0-0.
Second Half:
The intensity rose after the break as Stanislaus State pressed higher and created more attacking opportunities. Mujica continued her strong play with key saves to deny the Bobcats, while the Warriors kept building pressure in the attacking third. That persistence paid off in the final moments when UC Merced deflected the ball into its own net in the 90th minute, handing Stan State a dramatic 1-0 win and the Cowbell Cup crown.
Warrior Notable:
Goalkeeper Zara Mujica stood tall for the Warriors, recording six saves and earning her fourth win of the season. She was backed by a resilient defensive unit, including Katie Smith and Makeila Yancey, who anchored the backline and frustrated UC Merced's attack throughout the night. Their efforts, combined with Mujica's steady presence in goal, gave Stan State the foundation it needed to secure the Cowbell Cup in dramatic fashion. With the victory, the Warriors closed out their non-conference slate with a strong 4-1-2 record.
Up Next:
The Warriors continue their three-match home stand this weekend as they begin CCAA play. Stan State will host Cal State East Bay on Friday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. in their annual Kick Cancer match. The Warriors will then finish the homestand on Sunday, Oct. 5, when they host Cal State Los Angeles at 2 p.m. on Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Appreciation Day.
Latest Athletics News
- Warriors Move Up to No. 13 Nationally, Ranked for Third Straight WeekThe Stanislaus State women's cross country team earned a No. 13 national ranking in the latest NCAA Division II poll released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Wednesday. This marks the third straight week the Warriors have been ranked in the national top 30, after opening the year at No. 17 in the preseason poll and holding steady at No. 16 the past two weeks. The No. 13 ranking is Stan State's highest national position so far this season.
- Stan State Men’s Soccer Ranked No. 2 Nationally, No. 1 in West for Third Straight WeekStanislaus State men's soccer remains ranked No. 2 in the nation for the third straight week, according to the United Soccer Coaches poll, while also holding the No. 1 spot in the West Region for the third consecutive week. The Warriors are one of only three teams in NCAA Division II to remain undefeated at 6–0, joining Lynn University and Young Harris College. They are also one of four programs from the West Region ranked nationally, alongside Cal Poly Pomona at No. 11, Seattle Pacific at No. 17, Cal State Los Angeles at No. 21, and Cal State San Bernardino at No. 25.
- Stan State Women’s Cross Country Ranked No. 1 in West Region for Third Straight WeekFor the third straight week, the Stanislaus State women's cross country team holds the No. 1 spot in the West Regional rankings, maintaining its top position in the USTFCCCA Division II poll. The Warriors are also ranked No. 16 in the nation, with updated national rankings set to be released by the USTFCCCA tomorrow morning.
- Tennis Concludes First Fall Appearance at ITA West RegionalThe Warriors women's tennis team completed their first fall outing at the ITA West Regional in La Mirada, Calif. on the campus of Biola University.
- Bascom Cards Top-20 Finish at WWU InvitationalStanislaus State men's golf closed out the Western Washington University Invitational on Tuesday at Bellingham Golf & Country Club, finishing 13th in the 14-team field. Owen Bascom led the Warriors with his two-over 218 to finish in a four-way tie for 17th place.
- Stan State Travels for Matches with Cal State Monterey Bay and Cal State East BayStan State's volleyball team is on the road this week to continue conference play. The Warriors will travel to Cal State Monterey Bay on October 3 for a match at 5:00 p.m., followed by a visit to Cal State East Bay on October 4 for a 5:00 p.m. match as well.
