(GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.) For the first time ever, PLNU Women's Soccer is the NCAA West Region champion.
After reaching at least the second round of the NCAA Tournament in each of the last five editions and making its second regional championship appearance, Point Loma claimed its first regional title on Thursday, defeating Seattle Pacific 2-0 to advance to the national quarterfinals.
Nicki Friedman scored in the fifth minute before
Alana Diaz added one in the 87th to continue a historic season for the Sea Lions.
Point Loma got off to a dream start early in the game when
Bethany Arabe beat her defender to the byline and pulled a cross back to Friedman, who made no mistake with her shot from six yards out.
A dominant first half display from PLNU saw the Sea Lions outshoot the Falcons 12-3, with Point Loma nearly adding a second in the closing seconds of the period when
Grace Nelson had her shot saved.
SPU ventured forward a bit more in the second half searching for an equalizer, but PLNU's defense held firm in keeping its 10th shutout of the season.
Diaz sealed the victory with a composed finish just over three minutes from time off a
Nikki Ross assist.
Point Loma (14-3-1 overall) will now play South Central Regional champion UCCS on Saturday at 3 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. MT with a spot in the Final Four on the line.
UCCS defeated PLNU on Sep. 14, 2-1, in a game played in Colorado Springs.
POSTGAME INTERVIEW
