In a battle between two programs who each received votes in the NAIA preseason poll, the match was evenly contested. After a scoreless first half, the Sea Lions (1-0) scored the only goal of the match in the 52nd minute when freshman Katie Pedlowe sent a cross to junior Kari Moore, who headed it home for a 1-0 advantage that would hold up.

Point Loma Nazarene posted a 14-2 advantage in total shots and a 6-2 edge in shots on goal. The Sea Lions also took the only four corner kicks that were awarded in the match. Sophomore goalkeeper Jenessa Loewen (left) notched five saves for MVNU (0-1), while freshman Wendy Espejel posted a shutout in goal for Point Loma Nazarene with two saves.

“This was an evenly played match that we definitely had a shot to win,” said MVNU head coach Jonathan Meade. “(Point Loma) had a big advantage in total shots, but they took most of them from far outside the box as they were content to fire from long range. This was the first match of the year and with so many new players there were a lot of the little details that we did not do well. We also were not very assertive in the box on our scoring opportunities. However, we showed a lot of promise and I am really encouraged for the future.”

The Lady Cougars will be right back in action on Saturday when MVNU will take on the host Lady Tigers of Olivet Nazarene at 5:00 p.m. CST.