SAN ANTONIO – Freshmen Jessica Pikoff scored twice off the bench in Texas State soccer's 2-0 victory over I-35 rival UTSA in an exhibition match Friday night at Park West Athletics Complex.
 
The Bobcats first chance on goal came 98 seconds into the match when Rachel Grout attempted a shot from 25 yards out that was stopped by the goalkeeper.
 
Early in the fourth minute, Kira Zapalac sent in a rocket from the top of the box that saw the Roadrunners' Michelle Cole make a diving save.
 
Nearly halfway through the 12th minute, Kaylee Davis received a slotted pass in front of the net. However, Cole made a diving kick save to keep the Bobcats off the board.
 
A free kick attempt from about 25 yards away towards the left goal post was UTSA's first true chance of the game. Marianna Kensing shot curled towards the upper left corner but the ball spent too much time in the air to allow Heather Martin to make a leaping catch.
 
Texas State finally found its breakthrough early in the 32nd minute. Freshman Sydney Kammer sent in a pass down close to the penalty box that fellow classmate Haley Groff sent into the front of the net. Pikoff was there to knock the ball into the far left corner of the net.
 
With just under four minutes left until halftime, the Roadrunners' Isa Hernandez sent a hard low shot towards goal from just inside the penalty box. Martin dove to her right to maintain the shutout heading into halftime.
 
A defensive battle for most of the second half, the Bobcats increased their lead to 2-0 after Pikoff netted her second goal of the match late in the 73rd minute when she sent the ball into the lower right corner off a cross from Grout.
 
Pikoff led all players with two shots on goal while Alyssa Phelan attempted two shots as well. Placing a shot attempt on goal for the Bobcats as well were Davis, Grout, Hormuth and Zapalac.
 
Martin led all players with four saves, all coming in the first half. Kathryn Budde played the final 45 minutes but did not have to make a save.
 
Texas State opens the regular season on Friday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. against Northern Arizona. The game will take place at the Bobcat Soccer Complex.
 
For more information on the Texas State soccer team, visit the official website of Texas State Athletics at www.txstatebobcats.com, like on Facebook at Texas State Soccer and follow on Instagram and Twitter at @TxStateSoccer.