Box Score
OAKLAND, Calif. – Amy Alber picked an opportune time to notch her first career goal, converting a penalty kick in the 69^th minute to provide the difference in the No. 13 Cal State San Marcos women's soccer team's 1-0 victory over Holy Names on Friday at Merritt College.

Alber's spot kick was set-up by a strong run by Sarah Hopper, who got in behind the Hawks' defense before being pulled down inside the box.

The Cougars improve to 1-1 on the year and will turn around tomorrow to face Seattle Pacific at Notre Dame de Namur in Belmont, Calif. SPU is ranked No. 19 in NCAA Division II.

"I think we are struggling to find out who we are as a team this early in the season," said CSUSM head coach Ron Pulvers. "But, we got a good result on the road before we play one of the best teams we're going to see all season."

After a disappointing start to the season – a 0-1 home loss to The Master's College – on Wednesday, the Cougars held the Hawks without a look at goal in the first half en route to outshooting HNU, 14-6. Alber, along with Shelby Bush, led all players with three shots.

Freshman Amanda Sears, playing in just her second career match in goal for CSUSM, tallied five saves between the pipes, including a clutch stop in the 89^th minute off the foot of HNU's Makayla Farber.

Holy Names drops to 0-1 on the young season.