CARSON, Calif. - The Point Loma women's soccer team picked up a 1-0 season opening victory on the road over Cal State Dominguez Hills. Sami Swanson scored the only goal of the match in the 21st minute when she connected on a cross from Rachel Witz.
 
With the 1-0 lead the Point Loma (1-0-0) defense turned up the heat and allowed the Toros only one shot all match (not on goal). Ariel Oriarte, the preseason PacWest Goalkeeper of the Year, picked up the shutout without having to even make a save.
 
Meanwhile, the Sea Lions, despite having only one goal, dominated the Toros (0-1-0) offensively. PLNU had 15 shots in the match and seven Sea Lions had at least one shot on goal (eight total).
 
"We played well for moments but were not as consistent as we would have liked," said coach Hall. "We had some first game jitters but we got out of it what we needed. We are happy to get the win and the shutout, but we are not satisfied by our performance."
 
"We saw some good things from each of the 18 women that played today," Hall explained. "We are very encouraged we have so many options."
 
This is the second straight season Swanson, the 2014 PacWest Freshman of the Year, has recorded the game-winning goal in the season opener for the Sea Lions. The assist from Witz came in her first match with Point Loma after transferring in from California Baptist.
 
PLNU will now prepare to face UC San Diego on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 7:00 p.m.
 
"We have things to work on tomorrow to get ready for UC San Diego," added Hall. "We respect their program and their coach, and we are going to have to be on our 'A' game against them Saturday."