CLARION, Pa. — Clarion (2-0-0, 1-0-0) won their second straight game to open the 2026 season, blanking California (PA) (0-1-0, 0-1-0) by a 2-0 score on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. The Golden Eagles' defense allowed only four shots on goal and maintained control throughout the match before striking twice in the second half.
The second period began with a significant momentum shift as the Golden Eagles capitalized early. The Golden Eagles wrestled away possession from the Vulcans in the 51st minute, with
Reise Klein supporting
Ciara DiMauro deep into offensive territory. Klein tapped a short pass to DiMauro, who raced ahead and arced a beautiful cross through the box to
Leah Deal. The finish was even better as Deal headed the ball in with authority, beating keeper Kaleigh Rexroad and snapping the deadlock.
Midway through the second half, DiMauro struck on her own to extend the lead with a goal in the 60th minute.
Kelly O'Donnell and Deal executed a nifty give-and-go down the left side, with Shattahi eventually carrying the ball in and rocketing a shot off the woodwork. The ball ricocheted to DiMauro, who potted her second goal in as many games to make it a 2-0 game.
With the goal, DiMauro moved herself into elite company in Clarion history. The senior forward became the program's all-time leading points scorer with 38 career points. DiMauro's 17 career goals now ranks just one behind Jill Miller for that program record.
The Golden Eagles continued to apply pressure, with multiple attempts on goal, while ensuring a solid defensive front to prevent the Vulcans from scoring. The half concluded with Clarion maintaining its lead, securing a 2-0 victory.
The first period began with the Golden Eagles asserting pressure early, as Deal and
Kelly O'Donnell each attempted shots in the opening 15 minutes. Clarion continued to create opportunities, highlighted by a corner kick from
Carmella Simco, but failed to convert these chances into a goal.
Throughout the period, the Golden Eagles' defense remained steady, thwarting the Vulcans' advances and catching them offside multiple times. Despite several more attempts, including a shot saved by Rexroad, Clarion entered halftime with the game scoreless.
Sage Sherk recorded a shutout, making four saves to secure the victory.
