(SAN DIEGO) PLNU Women's Soccer won its second-straight PacWest Tournament title, defeating Dominican on Saturday in double overtime, 2-1, to earn the conference's automatic berth into the NCAA West Regional.
Likely needing a win to ensure a seventh-straight regional appearance, Point Loma struck first with eight minutes left in the opening half with
Kylee Jerome scoring her first career collegiate goal.
From the left sideline,
Lily Larez passed it off to Jerome to spin inside and beat her defender. She then launched a long-range effort up-and-over the goalkeeper from about 35 yards out to give the Sea Lions a 1-0 halftime lead.
PLNU then maintained its one-goal advantage until Dominican equalized off a set piece in the 82nd minute, ultimately forcing overtime.
The Sea Lions, who won last year's conference tournament in overtime, one-upped that epic match this time around, with
Maddy Saruwatari scoring the game-winning golden goal in double overtime in the 104th minute.
With the prospects of a penalty shootout looming,
Kylie Garcia's corner kick found Saruwatari at the near post to knock home and spark celebrations on PLNU's own field.
Saruwatari was named the PacWest Championships Most Outstanding Player, with
Zoe Crockett earning PacWest Tournament Most Outstanding Defensive Player honors for the second-straight rendition.
Point Loma (10-3-5 overall) will find out its NCAA West Regional seeding during Monday afternoon's selection show at 3:30 p.m.
POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE
