The De Anza women’s soccer team relied on their steadfast defense to secure a 1-0 victory against the Chabot College Gladiators on Friday Oct. 27.

De Anza started the game with solid possession and kept the ball in Chabot’s side of the field for most of the first half.

The Dons’ tenacity paid off at the 16th minute when forward Cassie Polini fired a booming shot into the back of the net.

De Anza played a strong defensive game and did not allow the Gladiators to sustain possession.

When Chabot did get the ball in De Anza territory, the Dons’ backline buckled down and cleared away any chances.

“We have been working hard about our defending and putting pressure on the player with the ball, as a team,” head coach Cheryl Owiesny said.

Defender Kelly Baxter looked sharp throughout the game, clearing any threats that came her way.

“That’s one thing I have been working on that has been improving, just clearing it out and not playing with it back there,” Baxter said.

De Anza went into halftime up 1-0.

The start of the second half was similar to the first. The Dons’ unrelenting pressure forced the Gladiators into turnovers, allowing De Anza to push forward and take shots.

The Dons had many chances to score another goal and put away Chabot, but could not find the finishing touch.

“I would have liked to put another ball in the back of the net, but a win is a win,” said Owiesny.

Late in the second the Dons sat back on their heels a bit, allowing Chabot more opportunities, but De Anza goalkeeper Sena Harlley made crucial saves to seal a clean sheet for her and a victory for the team.

De Anza started and finished the game strong. Baxter said her team communicated well and played cohesive soccer.

“I thought we all played well, a lot of ball control, a lot of working as a team, just playing as one,” said Baxter.

The Dons next home game will be the last of the regular season, hosting Cabrillo College on Tuesday Nov. 12 at 3 p.m.