Mekaylla White scored two goals on Tuesday night leading City College’s women’s soccer team to a 2-1 win over Ventura.

The Vaqueros opened up Western State Conference play with a big win over the Pirates who came into the game ranked 17th in California. 

“I think it sets us really high, I think it gives us a really good mentality moving forward,” White said. 

She scored her first goal of the evening from just outside the 18-yard box after spinning off two defenders with her back to the goal before turning and shooting the ball over the keeper’s head. 

White’s second goal came on a Ventura miscue that led to a golden opportunity for the Vaqueros’ freshman forward and proved to be the difference in the game. 

A Pirate defender passed the ball back to her goalie and White was able to knock it away and score from about two yards out. 

“I don’t think [the goalie] thought I was going to pressure the ball,” White explained. “I think she just delayed the pass and I was able to capitalize.” 

City College goalie Elizabeth Estrada did her part, making multiple saves to keep Ventura off the board for most of the night. 

“She played well again, all credit to her,” Coach John Sisterson said. 

Ventura was able to score in the 70th minute on a long freekick by freshman defender Sammy Zanini. 

“That was unfortunate,” Sisterson said. “It was well placed and we won’t blame Elizabeth for that.” 

The Vaqueros passed well in the midfield when they had possession of the ball and they were able to keep pressure on Ventura and not allow them to create space. 

The defense cleared most threats by the Pirates before the ball even entered the 18-yard box. 

Freshman midfielder Savannah Mohatt forced Ventura’s goalie to make a difficult save and freshman forward Sean O’Brien , in conjunction with White, was able to put pressure on the Pirates defense and get some shots on goal. 

“It was a good team performance,” Coach Sisterson said. “It was a workmanlike performance, and we got the three points we needed.” 

The Vaqueros are now 4-4-1 on the year and 1-0 in conference play. 

The team is back in action on Friday as they continue conference play at Cuesta. The Vaqueros will be back home at La Playa Stadium on 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 as they take on Fresno City College in a non conference game.