(SAN DIEGO) PLNU Women's Soccer was announced as the top team in the West Region on Wednesday when the first official NCAA regional rankings were announced.
On Thursday against Academy of Art, the Sea Lions lived up to that billing, outshooting the Urban Knights 29-2 on their way to a 5-1 victory.
Emma Thrapp nearly scored an olimpico goal for the second-straight game, forcing a save that earned the Sea Lions a corner from the other side. Thrapp then served an inch-perfect cross to
Jensen Shrout to head in the opening goal just 4:27 into the match.
Nikki Ross doubled PLNU's advantage in the 18th minute after
Alyssa Ketcham's cross found
Jillian Tubbs, who laid it off toward Ross to smash into the net.
Ross then turned provider, as Point Loma scored on another corner kick. Ross' delivery was met by
Grace Nelson on the half-volley just outside the penalty spot, curling a right-footed shot just out of the reach of the opposing goalkeeper.
"We earn a lot of corners, so something we've been focused on this season is getting better at those and capitalizing on all the opportunities that we create," Kiely said. "The last couple games we've been able to do better with that. I'm pleased to have that practice come to fruition."
Point Loma added two more in the second half in quick succession, with
Bethany Arabe and
Naomi Ellis getting on the scoresheet in the 70th and 73rd minutes respectively.
Nelson ran onto a loose ball and dribbled toward the top of the box before finding Arabe, who spun around onto her right foot and beat the keeper.
Then after an ART U handball in the box, Ellis stepped up to confidently take the penalty and leave no doubt about the end result with a powerful shot into the bottom left corner.
The Urban Knights got one on the board themselves shortly after in the 75th minute but it wasn't enough to stop the Sea Lions from reaching double-digit wins for the fifth-straight season.
"Today was good to get some looks at different people in a couple different places," Kiely said. "We had some good finishing and obviously need to stay sharp until the end."
Point Loma (10-3-1 overall, 6-2 PacWest) finds itself in the thick of the conference title race, just one point behind leaders Concordia (11-2-1, 6-1-1) with two matches left to play.
PLNU will try to put pressure on the Golden Eagles when the Sea Lions host Westmont on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. on Senior Day.
"That's going to be a challenge," Kiely said. "They're gritty, tough and will work. They can play. I think they have a different perspective as they're entering the conference and wanting to make a name for themselves. They've done that and they've done it well.
"Obviously, we'll be celebrating some wonderful leaders and contributors in our program, so that'll be fun, but we also understand it's a big game."
