(SAN DIEGO) PLNU Women's Soccer battled back from a goal down to tie Stanislaus State on Thursday afternoon, 1-1, in the Sea Lions' home opener.
"I'm proud of the group's resilience to get back in the game but disappointed to be in that spot," Head Coach
Kristi Kiely said. "Stanislaus was a good side and I credit what they threw our way."
After a scoreless first half, the visiting Warriors took the lead in the 55th minute, only for the Sea Lions to answer back eight minutes later.
Nikki Ross took advantage of a misplaced place from the Stanislaus State goalkeeper and dribbled into the box before powering a right-footed shot into the upper right corner to tie the game.
"Ross took the opportunity well and I thought we'd get another," Kiely said.
Point Loma pushed forward for a winner, outshooting the Warriors 11-4 in the second half.
With 15 minutes remaining, PLNU earned a penalty kick after
Madison Khan latched on to
Kylee Jerome's through ball before being taken out by the opposing goalkeeper. However, Stanislaus State's shot stopper saved the ensuing penalty to keep the game level.
Priya Torres held up the ball well for the Sea Lions and shielded off her defender to get a shot away inside the box that went just wide left.
Khan and
Maddy Saruwatari continued to pose a threat in the wide areas, while Ross nearly added to her goal tally with a shot that curled just over the crossbar.
Point Loma (1-1-1 overall) now travels to play at No. 2 Cal Poly Pomona on Saturday at 6 p.m.
"We had some goals today that we didn't reach and the best and worst part about college athletics is that the games come fast and you have another opportunity to reach the goals quickly," Kiely said. "We look forward to the test on Saturday. There's so much still ahead of us."
