
Los Angeles, Ca-Golden Coast Conference rivals take it down to the last minute of play to declare a winner. The #17 San Diego State Aztecs (11-11, 4-0) take a close one over host #12 Loyola Marymount Lions (13-7, 0-1) with a controversial 9-8 victory. Just by luck both the goalkeepers had the same amount of saves as the score in reverse LMU Jordan White 9 saves, & SDSU Rachel Mitchell 8 saves.
Late in fourth period with 53 seconds left a game tied at 8-8 before defender Caitlin Schafer was called for a foul that was very suspect. Lions coach Kyle Witt pleaded his case to no avail. Just after that whistle junior utility player Taylor Gums takes a power shot for a goal and 9-8 edge. The Lions had few more shots at goal but were not successful.

The Lions chose to have their goalie the whole first half in the shade in of the pool, hoping the sun wouldn’t be much of a factor in the second half. The Aztecs helped their goalkeeper out in the second period not allowing only one shot on goal for the period. Mitchell really helped the Aztecs with five big saves only allowing two goals in first period. Senior utility player Mackenzie Beck played well and hard to keep her Lions in the game. Beck scored a goal in each of the first three periods to lead Lions in goals.
The Aztecs now have already won the fourth conference game after this, being led today by sophomore Caroline Israles with three goals to her point total. Today’s game was pretty physical with a total of 14 fouls calls. The refs may have been trying to control the game because these two teams are very familiar with each other, being that they last meet in GCC championship last year where the Lions won in overtime 8-7.

With less than ten games left for both teams if the Lions can do their part in their remaining 6 conferences games there could be a rematch at GCC in April. The Aztecs only have 2 conferences games left and look to be in the driver seat for post season play. Next up both teams will compete in Zumo LMU Invitational March 20th & 21st featuring Whittier, Princeton, Brown, Michigan, & Concordia.