Box Score TURLOCK — Now the pieces are starting to fall in place.
 
The Stanislaus State women's soccer team pulled closer Saturday to getting back in its groove with a big shutout win over a nationally ranked opponent. The Warriors – in their first home game since Nov. 12, 2019 – bounced back from a shutout defeat Thursday with a shut out win of their own over No. 22 Fresno Pacific in a non-conference contest under the lights at Warrior Stadium.
 
"Everything about tonight felt great," said Stanislaus State head coach Gabriel Bolton. "The win. The performance. Being home in front of our fans. It was a beautiful night of soccer. We worked a lot on our movement off the ball when we have it and being dangerous. It really showed tonight."
 
Julia Cummings had both of the Warriors' goals, both in the first half, and both within minutes of each other. After playing through 22 minutes of scoreless soccer against the No. 22 team in the country, Cummings took a great through-pass from Rayana Plancarte, leading her right through the Sunbirds' back line to give her a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, which she won handily to put the Warriors up 1-0. Plancarte's pass was set up by an on-the-money touch from Jenna Zuniga, who put the ball right at Plancarte's feet so she could immediately turn from her defender and find Cummings.
 
"Julia had a phenomenal performance bagging a brace," said Bolton. "The set-up on both of her goals was so dynamic, it was exciting to watch."
 
Nine minutes later, Cummings did it again. This time she took a pass ball from Jackzeny Mancilla and beat the FPU 'keeper again to give Stanislaus State some insurance at 2-0. From there, the Warriors' defense went to work, forcing errant shots and not allowing the Sunbirds to square up the ball. Fresno Pacific outshot the Warriors in the game, 13-10, but it was only able to put four of those shots on goal, with Amanda Leal saving them all.
 
"Kendel (Gisin) had the breakout performance of the match as far as I'm concerned," added Bolton. "She was a beast in the center midfield, a position she's never played for us before. Jazzmin (Thompson) and Abby (Martinez) worked exceptionally well at center back tonight. It was great to see their work rate, communication and partnership out there."
 
Stanislaus State next hosts Southern Oregon at 7 p.m. Friday. Fans can find all live coverage links on WarriorAthletics.com.