Tough Test Before Conference

Saturday, September 17

Riverside, Calif.

3:00 PM

California Baptist University

1-3-1

Biola

6-0-0

Biola

California Baptist

Photo by: Jacob Gonzalez

Tough Test Before Conference

9/17/2016 5:59:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Sammi Wellman, Director of Sports Information

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — California Baptist University hosted a familiar foe in Biola University Saturday afternoon. The No. 12-ranked NAIA Eagles — who join the PacWest next year during their transition to NCAA Division II — swooped in and grabbed a 2-1 win over the Lancers.

With the loss, CBU drops to 1-3-1 overall as it heads into conference play next week. The Eagles remain undefeated, improving to 6-0-0 on the year.

"We put together a tough nonconference schedule to challenge us," said Coach Kristen St. Clair. "Biola is a good team. We knew it was going to be a tough day, dealing with injuries and sickness, but credit to Biola. There's a reason they're doing well."

Miranda Martinez got things off to a hot start, scoring in just the sixth minute of the game. Desarae Felix beat out a defender on the right side of the field and sent the ball over to Martinez. Despite the Eagle goalkeeper coming out to try to cut down the angle, Martinez kept her composure and tucked her one-touch shot into the back of the net.

The 1-0 lead didn't last long, however, as Biola equalized in the 22^nd minute.

Neither team could grab the go-ahead before halftime, but the Eagles struck first in the 53^rd minute.

Down 2-1, CBU turned the press up, getting good chances but not quite managing to get the ball past the Biola goalkeeper. Chaylin Couzens had a dangerous attempt in the 77^th minute, hoping to catch the Eagle off her line. The goalkeeper managed to get a fingertip on the ball, however, sending it over the bar and out of harm's way.

Time ran out before CBU could force extra time. The Lancers will look to bounce back as they open conference play.

"We're going to learn the lessons from today, go back to work on Monday and get ready for Point Loma next Thursday," said St. Clair. "These tough games are preparing us for conference. I thought we were the better team, we just were a little unlucky in finishing. There were some good things to take away as we move forward to compete for that PacWest Championship."

CBU may have to battle for that championship right out of the gates as it hosts the defending conference champion Sea Lions on Thursday and then rival Azusa Pacific on Tuesday, Sept. 27, with both games kicking off at 3:00 p.m.