The last time UCLA women’s soccer played at Wallis Annenberg Stadium, it fell to Virginia Tech, marking an early exit from the 2024 NCAA tournament.

But on Saturday, the Bruins returned to their home pitch – with a fresh roster and a “hungry” mindset.

No. 8 UCLA women’s soccer shut out Loyola Marymount 3-0 in an exhibition game Saturday. The match marked the debut of the Bruins’ 2025 squad – which coach Margueritte Aozasa called a “young” group – after 12 upperclassman players either transferred or turned pro following the 2024 season.

“Everyone’s really hungry, and everyone’s really ready to be the first starter in their position and make the most of it,” sophomore defender Paloma Daubert said.

The Bruins controlled the ball for most of the game and showcased offensive versatility with three goals from three different scorers.

Daubert got the Bruins on the board in the 22nd minute, executing on a pass from senior forward Bridgette Marin-Valencia.

“I didn’t expect it, really,” Daubert said. “It was phenomenal just being surrounded by my teammates, knowing that I did something for them to get us up.”

Junior forward Oruha Hayashi rounded out the first half with another goal in the 37th minute. The Iowa Western transfer received a ball from freshman center back Grace Shank to net the shot.

Shank, who is typically a midfielder, was told she would play center back the day before the game, Aozasa said.

“Grace Shank was incredible – and she’s a freshman,” Aozasa said. “I thought she was one of the best players on the field, so I was very happy for her.”

Redshirt senior midfielder Emma Egizii – who missed most of the 2024 season because of a knee injury – scored in her first game back.

Senior forward America Frias recorded the assist, with the two securing the Bruins’ lone second half goal in the 50th minute.

“As soon as I took that touch, I knew I had to go for it,” Egizii said. “It was just the best feeling ever – something to stand for my hard work.”

Two goalkeepers – freshman Daphne Nakfoor and sophomore Layla Armas – shared playing time. The departure of standout graduate student Ryan Campbell – who went pro after leading the nation in shutouts during her first and only campaign with the Bruins – has left a hole at the goalkeeper position.

Aozasa said she was impressed with the team’s performance, but she added that they could work on avoiding offsides – which the Bruins were called for multiple times – and defending against long balls.

“We saw a lot of individual moments of brilliance,” Aozasa said. “We saw our style that we’ve been really preaching over the last couple days – not even weeks – really come out.”

UCLA will face Georgia on Thursday at the Turner Soccer Complex in Athens, Georgia for its season opener.

And despite starting their season far from home, the Bruins are eager for their next challenge.

“As soon as this game ended, everyone’s already hungry for the next game,” Daubert said. “Everyone thinks they could have done better, run more – and that’s a great positive to the team we have right now and the new players.”