By Ron Smith
November 2, 2025
 
(SANTA BARBARA) Despite a strong defensive effort, Westmont Women's Soccer (5-10, 5-4 PacWest) fell to the Sea Lions of Point Loma (7-3-4, 3-1-2) by a score of 1-0.
 
"We executed our game plan very well today, defensively," said Westmont's head coach Lauren Matthias. "We held them at bay the majority of the game but, obviously they made the most of their chances they had and put one away. That's where we need to be more opportunistic in the attacking third, and be able to take the chances we do generate and get them in the back of the net.
 
"All three of our lines did a great job in the first half, defensively, and were really working as a whole group."
 
The game's lone goal came in the 62nd minute when Point Loma's Grace Nelson sent a free kick from the left flank directly into the opposite side netting.
 
"It stung a bit to come out of this one with nothing to show for it, especially when we did more things right than wrong today," acknowledged Matthias. "I thought we were going to come out of that one with some points to show for our efforts, but that's the game of soccer sometimes."
 
Point Loma outshot the Warriors 19-6 in the game including a 10-4 advantage in shots on goal. Westmont goalkeeper Ellie Ludwig tallied nine saves.
 
"We will continue to grow in that final third area this week with some much needed rest after a hard stretch of games. We know that we have a job to finish next Saturday."
 
Westmont has one game remaining in the regular season. On Saturday, November 8, the Warriors will take on Dominican at 11:00 a.m. Prior to the game, the Warriors will celebrate Senior Day.
 
Eight teams are still in contention for the four-team PacWest Tournament. Azusa Pacific (7-1), which has tallied 21 points, leads the conference and has clinched a playoff spot. Concordia (5-2-3), who has finished regular season play, is currently in second place with 18 points.
 
There is a four-way tie for third place. Dominican, Point Loma and Hawai'i Hilo are all 4-1-3 with 15 points and two games remaining in the regular season. Westmont (5-4) also has 15 points.
 
Fresno Pacific (2-2-4) and Vanguard (3-4-1) are tied for seven points and each have 10 points with two games to play.
 
There are a few scenarios in which Westmont qualifies for the PacWest Tournament. All of those scenarios require Westmont to defeat Dominican on Saturday and for the Warriors to get beneficial outcomes from other conference games on both Thursday and Saturday.