Box Score

SAN DIEGO -- Dottie Rhoten scored at the 79-minute mark, and Point Loma defeated Cal State San Marcos 1-0 on Tuesday (Oct. 29) to clinch a berth in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) West Regional.

Rhoten dribbled toward the middle from the left side of the box, turned and fired past the Cougar goalkeeper. It was the freshman's fourth goal this season.

"She collected the ball well and had the option to play it to Claire Mathews but she took it inside and took a very nice shot," said Point Loma head coach Tim Hall. "It took the goalie a bit offguard with excellent placement of the ball. It was well done for a freshman to step up at that time of the match and make something happen."

The Sea Lions improved to 8-6-1 on the season (6-3-1 PacWest) with the non-conference victory. The loss drops San Marcos to 9-5-1.

The teams were virtually deadlocked for much of the match, as most of the action took place in the middle third of the field. Once Rhoten broke the game open, the pace picked up and the Cougars mounted a desperate comeback attempt. But the Point Loma defense held firm throughout the contest, and Lupe Herrera stopped both shots that came her way. This was her sixth shutout of the season.

"Our goalie has been struggling a bit health-wise but our defense really came out committed today," Hall added. "They were successful limiting any major shots on our goal."

PLNU and San Marcos combined for just 11 shots, with the Cougars actually outshooting the Sea Lions six to five. However, four of PLNU's five shots were on goal, compared to just two for CSUSM.

"Our girls showed me something today," explained coach Hall. "They had more grit for 90 minutes than I've seen all year. It is exciting "

This Saturday the Sea Lions will head to Fresno to take on longtime rival Fresno Pacific in a PacWest Conference matchup. Kickoff is slated for 11:00 a.m.