(SAN DIEGO) Second-seeded PLNU Women's Soccer scored twice in the first half on its way to a 2-1 victory over seventh-seeded Simon Fraser in the NCAA West Regional First Round on Thursday afternoon.
 
Alana Diaz scored for the fifth straight game, before Nikki Ross scored what proved to be the game-winner in the 28th minute.
 
Diaz's opener came just 7:11 into the match, after Naomi Ellis played a perfect ball over the top to Bethany Arabe on the left flank. Arabe then pulled her cross back to Diaz, who placed her first-time shot beyond the goalkeeper's reach to get the Sea Lions off to a flying start.
 
All of Diaz's goals in the last five games have come in the first half, three of which have been scored in the first eight minutes of the match.
 

Alana Diaz gives Point Loma an early lead over Simon Fraser in the @NCAADII WSOC West Regional.#GoSeaLions pic.twitter.com/rpj6mtpAwZ

— PLNU Sea Lions (@PLNUSeaLions) November 21, 2024

 
Ross then doubled PLNU's advantage less than three minutes after coming onto the field. Arabe once again was the creator on the left wing, crossing in the air to Ross, whose initial volley was blocked but her follow-up effort found the back of the net.
 
Simon Fraser managed to get one back four minutes later to make it 2-1 going into halftime.
 

Nikki Ross doubles the lead for Point Loma over Simon Fraser in the first round of the @NCAADII WSOC West Regional.#GoSeaLions pic.twitter.com/30wP9LF5uV

— PLNU Sea Lions (@PLNUSeaLions) November 21, 2024

 
Point Loma pushed forward in the second half in search of third, with Alyssa Ketcham appearing to score, only for the goal to be called back because the ball was ruled to have been out of play first.
 
Diaz then nearly scored again, rattling the crossbar from distance, as she tormented the right side of the Red Leafs' defense.
 
The Sea Lions outshot the Red Leafs 9-2 in the second half, but neither team found the back of the net, as goalkeeper Julia Pinnell didn't have to make a single save after halftime.
 

PLNU advances to the second round to take on Hawai'i Hilo!#GoSeaLions pic.twitter.com/XCPDhBSYtK

— PLNU Sea Lions (@PLNUSeaLions) November 21, 2024

 
Point Loma (16-2-1 overall) now advances to the NCAA West Regional Second Round for the sixth straight postseason.
 
The Sea Lions will take on third-seeded Hawai'i Hilo on Saturday at 1 p.m. on the PLNU Soccer Field in a rematch of Saturday's PacWest Tournament championship, which Point Loma won 3-2 in double overtime.
 
The winner of Saturday's Second Round matchup will advance to the West Regional championship on Nov. 30.
 
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