(IRVINE, Calif.) Top-seeded PLNU Women's Soccer rolled in the PacWest Tournament semifinals on Thursday night, defeating fourth-seeded Westmont 3-0 to advance to Saturday's championship game.
After PacWest Goalkeeper of the Year
Julia Pinnell made a crucial save early in the match,
Laney Herrero scored her first collegiate goal in the 17th minute to put the Sea Lions in front.
Grace Nelson served in a perfect corner kick to Herrero, who made no mistake with a header to find the back of the net for the first time in her Point Loma career.
Alana Diaz and
Alyssa Ketcham both forced a pair of saves early in the first half and were later rewarded with goals themselves.
Diaz doubled PLNU's lead less than three minutes before halftime with a clever finish with the outside of her right foot off
Gianna Masinter's low cross.
After taking a two-goal lead into the half, Ketcham then put the game to bed in putting Point Loma ahead 3-0.
Nikki Ross won the ball back for the Sea Lions on the left wing and fed it to
Bethany Arabe, who curled a perfect ball for Ketcham to convert from close range.
Pinnell made four total saves in goal, as PLNU's defense kept its 11th shutout in 12 games against PacWest opposition this season.
The Sea Lions outshot the Warriors 17-9 in the match, including 13-4 in shots on goal.
Point Loma (14-2-1 overall) advances to play second-seeded Hawai'i Hilo, who beat third-seeded Concordia 4-2 in the other semifinal, for the first ever PacWest Tournament championship.
Kickoff on Saturday at the OC Great Park is scheduled for 5 p.m.
POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE
