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Down to the final minute of game action, No. 3 seed Cal State Fullerton secured a 1-0 victory over sixth-seeded Cal State Bakersfield on Sunday at Titan Stadium in the first round of the 2025 Big West Women's Soccer Championship. The match's decisive goal was delivered in the second half, ensuring the Titans' narrow win. Cal State Fullerton's defense was robust, with Big West Goalkeeper of the Year Isaac Ranson recording three saves to maintain the shutout.

The Titans advance to face No. 2 seed Cal Poly on Thursday at 4 p.m., from the site of regular-season champion CSUN in a semifinal doubleheader. The Mustangs took the regular-season meeting between the two, 2-0, on Oct. 12. 

The Titans and Roadrunners began the match with both teams striving for control. In the opening minutes, Cal State Fullerton's Cayla Oliveira took an early shot in the 21st second, which was saved by the Roadrunners' Kamy Anaya. The Titans maintained pressure with a series of corner kicks, but Anaya thwarted several attempts on goal, including saves from Cal State Fullerton's Isabella Contreras and Kyah Otholt. CSUB also challenged, with Natalie O'Sullivan and Sara Ybarra attempting shots, though both were off target. Despite numerous opportunities and a competitive first half, the half concluded in a scoreless draw.

The second half was marked by a back-and-forth struggle between the host Titans and Roadrunners, meeting for the second time in the last three days. The Titans dominated early in the second frame with Jenae Perez taking multiple shots, one notably saved by Anaya at the 50:48 mark. The defensive efforts of Ranson for the Titans were pivotal, saving key shots from CSUB's Delilah Vega-Aguilar and Miah Thomas in quick succession around the 65th minute. The decisive moment came late when the Titans scored a goal credited to the team at 88:36 to unbreak the tie with just 84 seconds remaining in regulation. 

The Titans featured key performances from several players in the match. Ranson played a pivotal role, securing the shutout with three saves on ten shots faced. Contreras and Isabella Cruz both contributed offensively, each registering two shots, all on target. Sienna Pimentel and Perez were also active on the attack, leading the team with three shots apiece. 

Anaya, a senior from Long Beach, Calif., stood out for the Roadrunners with nine saves, facing 18 shots and allowing just one goal across 90 minutes. Ybarra and Thomas each took two shots, with Ybarra managing one on target. Vega-Aguilar also recorded a shot on goal. 

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