SAN DIEGO – The Cal State San Marcos women's soccer team dropped a close one to Point Loma, 1-0, in a nonconference road match on Saturday, Sept. 2.
 
Point Loma improved to 1-1-0 with the win as the Cougars fell to 1-1-0.
 
A Jennifer Ballez goal in the 75th minute proved to be the difference. Ballez found herself in a footrace with CSUSM keeper Bailey Cockrill. The Sea Lions senior was able to beat Cockrill to the ball just outside the box and knock it into a wide open net from 18 yards out. The goal would eventually prove to be the game-winner for Point Loma.
 
CSUSM dominated the corner kicks, 10-3, as well as outshooting the Sea Lions, 11-7. Senior Kayla Anderson and sophomore Lauren Perry finished with three shots apiece, with Perry putting two on goal. Senior Meghan Randig also tallied two shots on goal in the match.
 
The Cougars had their chances throughout the match, including a good look at the equalizer coming late off a free kick that found the back of the net but was later called off after a penalty was determined prior to the goal being scored. Point Loma was able to fend off a few last minute chances from CSUSM including a save by goalkeeper Brianna Linnell on a Kayla Anderson shot in the 88th minute.
 
Ballez finished the match with two total shots and the lone goal for the Sea Lions while Linnell set a new career high with five saves in the Sea Lions first clean sheet of the season.
 
CSUSM will continue its stretch on the road with a trip to Riverside to take on California Baptist in a nonconference match on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 2 p.m.