Women's Soccer vs. Biola

Header Wins Game for PLNU

Erica Wessels broke a scoreless tie in the 76th minute to lift #22 PLNU past the visiting Biola Eagles 1-0 on Saturday.

Wessels headed the ball in on a corner kick from Lauren Hernandez for the lone goal in an otherwise defensive battle. Both teams battled throughout, with the Sea Lions having an edge in ball possession, but each squad struggled to find opportunities.

"We didn't play up to the level that we are capable of," said PLNU coach Tim Hall. "It wasn't pretty, but it was a win and I will take it. The goal was beautiful though."

PLNU took 14 shots, but many did not pose a major threat. The Sea Lion defense played very well, limiting the Eagles to five total shots, two of them on goal. Tiffany Kracy had two saves to record the shutout.

The Sea Lions benefited from strong defensive performances by Tommie Graham, Lauren Leslie and Wessels.

PLNU took nine corner kicks in the match, finding the back of the net in the 76th minute on the eighth try.

"I'm really excited," Wessels said of her goal after the game on KPLR radio. "As a defender, I don't like overtime. I wanted to win it and get it out if the way."

Biola drops to 6-6-1 with the loss, and is 2-6 in conference play.

The Sea Lions reach the 10-win mark with the victory, and improve to 5-4 in the GSAC heading into the regular season finale vs. Fresno Pacific next Saturday.

-Jeremiah Wood

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