SAN RAFAEL, Calif. – Dominican women's soccer played No. 18 Point Loma even through 88 minutes, but a late goal was the difference in a 1-0 loss Saturday at Kennelly Field.

The Penguins (3-3-1, 0-1-0 PacWest) chose to play a defensive minded game against the defending national champions with three shots and two on frame for the game. Audrey Nakashima was the player of the game for Dominican as she collected two defensive saves along the backline and made several key defensive stops for her team. 

The first half was largely uneventful as the Sea Lions (5-1-1, 2-0-0 PacWest) maintained a lot of possession but was stuck passing the ball around the midfield looking for a weakness in the Penguins shape. Time and time again Dominican was there to frustrate the offensive attack not allowing a shot on goal until the 41st minute as Emma Thrapp's shot towards the bottom left corner was easily collected by Natalie Haro.

PLNU opened the second half in a flurry as an early move into the attacking third of the field earned them a corner in the 47th minute and the free kick bounced around inside the box to the foot of Lily Larez who had a good look at the goal with the keeper out of position but Nakashima was in the right spot and got a toe on the ball to flick it up and over the net to keep the game even. The ensuing corner once again found a Sea Lion as this time Molly Bachman sent a hard shot towards the left post, but once again Nakashima was there to make the save and clear the ball from danger. 

The Penguins continued to absorb pressure, but PLNU was not able to find a solid scoring chance again until the 83rd minute. Bethany Arabe worked her way into some space on the top of the box reeling back for a shot towards the frame, but Nakashima came from nowhere to slide in front of the attempt and block it out of danger.

 The Sea Lions ratcheted up the pressure looking for a game winner and in the 89th minute, Arabe made a move along the goaline on the left side and crossed the ball into the middle where Jillian Tubbs awaited to redirect the ball into the back for the net for the 1-0 lead. Dominican made a push to tie the game over the final two minutes earning a free kick and corner kick which were both placed into a dangerous position inside the box, but both times PLNU was there to get the first touch on the ball and clear it from danger.

Dominican will hit the road next week as it faces Chaminade on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. HST at Saint Louis Field in Honolulu.