Box Score In just its third year of existence, Cal State San Marcos Cougar women's soccer is heading to Daytona Beach, FL; the final site of the 2008 NAIA Women's Soccer National Championships.

On Saturday, CSUSM defeated Benedictine College (Kan.) 2-0 in front of a large crowd at Mangrum Track & Soccer field on the campus of Cal State San Marcos. Those fans were treated to a tough, tightly-played match in which both teams represented themselves well.

“That was championship-style match and quality soccer by both teams,” noted CSUSM Head Coach Ron Pulvers.

Nerves played a factor early on, as both teams looked tentative and opportunities were few and far between. The teams combined for just five first half shots, with the best opportunity coming late when a potential goal for the Cougars was called off due to offsides.

But in the second half, the game would open up a bit, and the Cougars would get on the board. In the 57th minute, #5 Taylor Ziencina struck a free kick from 35 yards out, finding the head of Kelly Wherry, who knocked it past Lady Ravens keeper Carissa Gregory. It's the first goal of the season for Wherry, who was named MVP of the Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) Conference Championship last week.

With the outcome still in doubt, CSUSM closed it out in the 80th minute. #10 Taylor Schurman made a run to the box and was taken down, resulting in a penalty kick. Schurman herself took it, tucking it into the near-side netting just past the outstretched fingertips of Gregory. The 2-0 score would hold up, giving the Cougars the 2-0 victory in the Opening Round match.

CSUSM advanced to the 2008 NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship Opening Round by winning the first-ever A.I.I. Conference Championship. Benedictine won the Heart of America Athletic Conference to earn the bid. Play in Daytona Beach will start on December 2nd.