HAYWARD — Jade Poon was the difference maker on Saturday as the Stanislaus State women's soccer team defeated Colorado Mesa, 2-1, at Pioneer Stadium to win the Pioneer Challenge.

Poon's penalty kick score in the 60th minute was the game-winner as the Warriors improved to 2-0 on the young season. Poon also scored in the 19th minute to give Stan State a 1-0 lead. 

"Jade had a great game. She becoming a very savvy player with her movement off the ball," head coach Gabriel Bolton said.

With the brace, plus a goal in Thursday night's 3-1 win over Northwest Nazarene, Poon netted three scores to begin the year. She had entered season with 20 career goals.

Freshman Rayana Plancarte helped out on the first goal when Poon stole the ball near mid-field and touched it Plancarte, who gave it back to the junior forward. Poon beat CMU goalkeeper Katelyn Houston to make it 1-0.

The Mavericks even the score in the 24th minute when Allie Davis got around a defender and blasted in for a score.

However, at 59:16 the Warriors were awarded the penalty kick try with Poon converting for the go-ahead goal.

"That was a fantastic win against a very physical team. What I'm happiest about is that our effort was outstanding and we improved a lot from the last match," Bolton added.

The physical match resulted in 25 total fouls (Colorado Mesa had 15), seven cautions, including two against CMU's Ryanne Parker. Parker was ejected in the 83rd minute. 

After another road contest at Fresno Pacific Monday night at 7 p.m., Stan State will play its home opener on Friday when the Warriors host Western Oregon at 7 p.m. at Warrior Stadium.