BELLINGHAM, Wash---The Point Loma Sea Lions (13-1-2 overall) prevailed 8-7 in penalties over the Cal State East Bay Pioneers (11-5-6 overall) to advance to the West Region Semifinal Thursday afternoon at a rain soaked Harrington Field.

Point Loma, once again, dominated the chances but faced a fierce Pioneer squad that did not break down.

"We didn't start very sharp and it was just hard going early." Point Loma Head Coach Kristi Kiely said. "It was a rough start for us. I thought we did get going eventually. Credit to the girls for being able to do that. When we found our way, the girls created some really good chances."

Cal State East Bay formulated its first chances off a free-kick just into the Sea Lion's defensive half. A clearance off the service, setup a corner which East Bay tapped away from Keeper Emma Hinson, but the defensive player of the year in the PacWest, Lauren O'Malley, was there to shield the net.

East Bay then got a deflection, eight minutes in, which was booted from 25 yards out and glanced away from Point Loma, into the goal for a 1-0 Pioneer lead.

Point Loma accumulated more chances but often couldn't put the shot on target. When they did, East Bay keeper, Jordan Smith was there for 11 saves in the first half.

Eventually, the Sea Lions pressure delivered a free-kick in the 55^th minute. Emma Thrapp's service beautifully crossed into the box and Hailey Clifford headed into the net for the equalizer.

"Hailey's goal was amazing." Kiely said. "Emma sent a great ball in. Hailey was sharp to it and she was very determined. It was a great moment for her and our team."

Point Loma would take control of the match outshooting the Pioneers 27-10 and putting 16 shots on goal to CSUEB's 5.

Still, the match went through two overtime periods and into penalties. Even then, the designated amount was not enough.

 "Lauren, Emma Thrapp and Mara (Sovde) put in such a good defensive shift." Kiely said. "They did a really good job starting our attack. Once we found our mids we did a better job of creating opportunities."

Each keeper had a save in them as it went beyond the designated kickers. East Bay took the early edge before Hinson saved the third shot. Tied at 5, East Bay had its first chance to win the match but missed left. Then tied at 7, East Bay hit the cross bar. Thrapp's second penalty attempt put PLNU up 8-7 before another Pioneer shot of the crossbar finally concluded the epic battle.

"I think we just get to learn good lessons." Kiely said. "Credit to East Bay for coming ready. Credit to our girls, because I don't think we've been down this year. We get to learn and advance and that doesn't always get to happen. To learn and grow, and see what you can do with that growth is always exciting."

Point Loma will attempt to the excitement when they play the 2^nd seed and host Western Washington Vikings Saturday at 1:00pm.