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FULLERTON, Calif. – Golden State Athletic Conference champions! On Wednesday, Point Loma Nazarene defeated Hope International 2-0; in doing so the NAIA third-ranked Sea Lions clinched their first-ever conference regular-season championship.

PLNU stayed unbeaten on the season, improving to 16-0-1 overall. Those win total sets a new record for the program that began in 1999. In 2009, the Sea Lions notched 15-5-4 mark and reached the title game of the NAIA Championships. The Green and Gold is also 8-0 in the GSAC; the prior high for conference wins was six (set a few times).

“It's an honor to be part of this team,” said head coach Tim Hall. “They deserve to win conference. They fight and battle. It's very exciting. I am really proud of them.”

Loma's final regular season match is at Westmont this Saturday starting at noon.  Regardless of that outcome, the Sea Lions will be the top seed in the GSAC playoffs which start on Tuesday, November 1. Point Loma's opponent is to be determined but the first-round match is slated for a 1:00 p.m. start.

Wednesday's win was the 14^th shutout of the year which matches the team's previous high set in 2009. The Sea Lion defense has allowed just four goals all season. 

PLNU keeper Tiffany Kracy made four saves to preserve the shutout. Her counterpart, Savannah Wood, made four saves as well for the Royals (4-11, 0-8 GSAC).

Both Point Loma goals came in the first half of play. Katie Pedlowe put in the first in the 15th minute with Erica Wessels heading in the second in minute 18. Both scores were assisted by Kallie Caldwell. The latter goal came via a corner kick.

Coach Hall rested some of his starters in the second and PLNU maintained its 2-0 advantage throughout. When the clock ticked down to zero the Sea Lions celebrated.

“They were excited but very sober,” said Hall. “There wasn't any piling on or anything like that. These girls know there is a lot of business that needs to be taken care of. There is a lot left to accomplish still.”