Box Score HILO, Hawaii - Not many ladies will ever forget their first collegiate goal but
Morgan Pearce made sure her first career goal was one none of her teammates will forget either as the freshman converted on a header in double overtime to lift the Point Loma women's soccer team to a 2-1 win on the road at Hawaii Hilo on Saturday, Oct. 4.
The victory keeps the Sea Lions (4-2) undefeated in the Pacific West Conference at 3-0-0. Their nine points in the standings are just one point off the pace set by Fresno Pacific. However, the Sunbirds have played five league matches to the Sea Lions' three. The loss was the first in conference for Hawaii Hilo who is now 2-1-1 in the PacWest and 5-2-2 overall.
Pearce scored her first career goal on a header off a cross from
Shelby Murphy in the 105th minute. Murphy, who has been part of all three game-winning goals for the Sea Lions in PacWest play, took a cross and served it beautifully over the defense to Pearce for a perfectly placed header.
The goal by Pearce helped PLNU avoid disappointment after letting in a score by the Vulcans in 80th minute which sent the match to overtime. Ashley Borja-Roese also scored on a header for UHH.
Her goal was the equalizer to
Natalie Swift's goal in the 14th minute which put PLNU in front for much of the match. The senior took the pass from
Sami Swanson and deposited it in the net for the early 1-0 lead.
"It was a tale of two halves," said Point Loma head soccer coach
Tim Hall. "The women played the best first half and the worst second half of the season. I'm glad we got the win but it should not have been that way."
Ariel Oriarte made just one save in the match for Point Loma as the Sea Lions' defense kept the Vulcans at bay throughout the evening. Jenna Hufford, Hawaii Hilo's goal keeper, had two saves.
The Sea Lions will continue their road trip on Monday, Oct. 6 at 6:00 p.m. (PST) against Hawaii Pacific.
