(SAN RAFAEL, Calif.) No. 18 PLNU Women's Soccer improved to 2-0 in conference play with a 1-0 road victory over Dominican on Saturday, courtesy of a late Jillian Tubbs goal.
 
"This was a tough match today, credit to Dominican for being a tough opponent," Head Coach Kristi Kiely said. "I couldn't be prouder of our team, and I felt that even before we scored which made that moment even sweeter."
 
How It Happened
The first half got off to a fast start, with Grace Nelson taking a shot five minutes into the game that missed just right. This was promptly followed by shots from Tubbs and Naomi Ellis, and though neither found the net, it kept Dominican on its heels. The half was rounded out by shots from Gianna Masinter, Lily Larez and Emma Thrapp, as PLNU kept the pressure on Dominican to set up a strong second period.
 
The Sea Lions fired off 10 shots in the second half, with Nicki Friedman having a shot blocked that was headed toward the top right corner of the net. Shots by Bethany Arabe, Thrapp, and Nikki Ross all kept the pressure up for the Sea Lions and paved the way for the lone goal of the game.
 

Jillian Tubbs' late goal lifts #18 PLNU Women's Soccer over Dominican.

🎥 @dominicansports pic.twitter.com/R8SiutoNWr

— PLNU Sea Lions (@PLNUSeaLions) September 29, 2024

 
With two minutes to go, Tubbs found the back of the net from an assist from Bethany Arabe, giving the Sea Lions a 1-0 advantage. Arabe beat her defender and crossed to Tubbs, who guided the ball past the goalie to the lower left-hand corner of the net.
 
"We created a lot of quality chances throughout the game and had two cleared off the line, a couple of missed opportunities off of wide service and some set pieces we would have liked to have finished," Kiely said. "But we competed for 90 minutes and that's what we asked of them today. Every player that stepped on the field today contributed to the match."
 
Top Performers
Tubbs scored the game's only goal, with Arabe providing the assist. Alana Diaz joined Thrapp as the only two players with two shots, while six players including them recorded shots on goal.
 

#18 PLNU Women's Soccer beats Dominican to improve to 2-0 in @ThePacWest.#GoSeaLions pic.twitter.com/8tOFVWQ7SW

— PLNU Sea Lions (@PLNUSeaLions) September 29, 2024

 
What Happens Next
Point Loma (5-1-1 overall, 2-0 PacWest) plays Vanguard next at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday in Costa Mesa.
 
"Winning a close match on the road after creating so many quality chances and dealing with a very physical game was both a relief and deserving of the performance," Kiely said.
"The players put in a lot of honest hard work today and I'm thrilled that their work was rewarded."