Close, but not close enough.
Westmont had a few close scoring chances during Saturday’s women’s soccer match, but never showed the speed or physicality to keep up with the No. 1 Lancers of Cal Baptist, eventually losing 2-0 at La Playa Stadium.
While the Lancers (8-0-1) dominated the time of possession, there were some promising moments for the Warriors (2-3-1) to build on against the top ranked team in the NAIA.
“I think even though we lost it’s a good step for our team. We’re moving in the right direction,” said Westmont forward Jameis Washington.
The Warriors played tough defense throughout the first half, but Lancer forward Kylee Nicassio headed one in off of a perfectly placed corner kick from Jeanna Idom in the 33rd minute.
Most teams would have let the floodgates open for the top-ranked Cal Baptist, but Westmont held its ground and played tough to the halftime whistle. Keeper Roxanne Love making a huge save off a rocket from Lizzy Bendrick right before the break.
In the 38th minute of the second half, the Warriors got a solid chance to even things up, when the ball bounced right to the foot of Jessica Zuehlsdorf at close range, but she couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net.
To preserve the 1-0 tally, Love made the save of the match against Nicassio on a one-on-one break. Love charged out to meet the ball and to make the save, one of her 10 in the match.
The concluding goal came in the 84th minute off a penalty kick from Giannina Loza that went in despite Love’s valiant effort to make the save.
“There were moments where I thought we competed pretty well in the game,” noted Westmont head coach Dave Wolf.
It was also a homecoming for Cal Baptist head coach Kristin St. Clair, who was on the Westmont final four team during her freshman season and went on to become an assistant coach for the Warriors in 2003.
“Its always exciting to get a win wherever you’re at,” said St. Clair after the victory.
The Warriors will travel to San Diego Christian for their next match, where they will look to even up their record.
