AZUSA, Calif---Hailey Clifford's early goal set the Point Loma Sea Lions (12-1-1 overall, 8-1-0 PacWest)   on a winning path in a 2-1 victory over the Azusa Pacific Cougars (10-5-0 overall, 5-3-0 PacWest) Friday night at the Cougar Soccer Complex.

The Sea Lions controlled possession for a majority of the first half and created a chance in the first ten minutes. After Clifford's shot caromed off the post it returned to the midfielder, who regrouped and buried it in the back of the net to give Point Loma a 1-0 lead in the ninth minute.

Point Loma held the lead for the rest of the half but Azusa Pacific created a few chances off of counters and turned a handful into corner kicks, holding the edge 5-4 in that category.

However, after an Emma Hinson save and a few chances for APU in which the PLNU backline held, Point Loma got the ball downfield again. As a long ball service led Alana Diaz down the field, she was able to head it forward toward Pyper Slattery. As the Azusa defense worked to contain those two, the keeper came off her line.

Azusa headed the ball back to where the keeper had previously been, resulting in an own goal and a 2-0 Point Loma lead, just eight minutes before half.

The game remained a two goal lead for Point Loma throughout much of the second half with the Sea Lions tightening their grip on possession.

But as the match entered the final minutes, the physicality increased.

Azusa sent a through ball behind the Sea Lion defense, setting up a goal in the 89^th minute to increase the drama.

However, the Sea Lions held on during the final 90 seconds to pick up the win.

Point Loma will finally be back at home, returning to the PLNU Soccer Field for Senior Day against Concordia on Thursday, November 11^th at Noon.