SAN DIEGO - Morgan Pearce and Michaela Maes each scored second-half goals as the Point Loma women's soccer team completed their 2015 home schedule with a 2-0 win over BYU-Hawaii (Oct. 31).
 
The win keeps the Sea Lions (12-4-0, 9-2-0 PacWest) in the race for the PacWest Championship. With the victory and a loss by Concordia (CA) at Fresno Pacific, the Sea Lions move into first place in the PacWest standings with 27 points. The loss drops BYU-Hawaii to 5-8-3 and to 4-5-2 in the PacWest. 
 
After a scoreless first 45 minutes, PLNU quickly established its dominance in the second half with Morgan Pearce's goal in the 47th minute and then their defense locking down the Seasiders and earning the 'clean sheet.' Pearce took a free kick from the top left of the box and hooked it high, inside the post for her first goal this season.  
 
"(Morgan's) choice is to cross it in or maybe take a shot so she has the choice based on what she sees," PLNU head coach Tim Hall explained. "She made the right call and struck it really well. She surprised the goalie and it was really good shot."
 
Maes provided an insurance goal for Point Loma in the 69th minute. The senior made a wonderful play to earn her third goal of the season. Maes stole a pass by the Seasiders, popped the ball up to herself and looped a perfect shot over the goalkeeper but right under the crossbar for the score.
 
"Our girls played really well in the second half," added coach Tim Hall. "They came out with energy and with fight. We had to get on them a little bit at halftime about how important this game was, and then they came out and took care of it. I am really proud of them across the board."
 
Ariel Oriarte earned her 11th shutout in 16 matches. She did not have to make a save in a shutout for the fifth time this season. PLNU outshot BYUH 18-1 in the match en route to the win.
 
"We are going to be a good defensive team," said Hall, "the girls are committed and dedicated to it. When you play solid defense it gives you the best chance to win, and our girls are committed to defense.
 
 
"We needed those three points," added Hall. "BYU-Hawaii is a good team because they are coaches so well. Their defense was very tight and it was hard to get a goal."
 
In addition to Michaela Maes, Tara Kracy, Sydney Dreves, Shelby Murphy and Amanda Mitchell all played their final matches at the PLNU Soccer Field. This group has posted a 48-21-5 record during their four seasons with Point Loma.
 
"The biggest joy of working at Point Loma is working with the students," explained Hall. "Over the course of four years you get to know them and they become like your daughters. You share life with them but before you know it they are gone. It is bittersweet. I am really proud of those girls. They are all great women and I am very proud to see the growth in their lives as human being during these past four years has been tremendous. They have helped put this program where it is."
 
The Sea Lions will continue their season on the road next week at Dominican (CA) on Thursday and at Holy Names on Saturday.
 
"Dominican is good and that is going to be a tough game on the road," explained Hall. "That is like a playoff game for us. After that we will see where we are and then prepare for Holy Names."