WESTWOOD, Calif. - The #19 LMU women's soccer season came to a conclusion this evening when the Lions fell to Cal State Fullerton, 3-0, in the first round of NCAA Tournament action at UCLA's Drake Stadium. The Titans took a lead in the first half, and added a second goal early in the second half. They added an insurance goal late in the game for the final margin of victory. The Lions wrap up their outstanding season with a 10-3-6 record.

Although the Lions played well in the first half, they were limited to just one shot in the opening 45 minutes. Cal State Fullerton converted on a corner kick in the 28th minute when Erika Janke headed in the ball to the back post to put the Titans ahead 1-0.

The Lions' offense started clicking in the second half, but they couldn't break through. The Titans took advantage of a misplay by the Lion defense early in the second half. An attempt to clear the ball traveled back towards the LMU goal. Lion goalkeeper Joslyn Slovek ran to the ball, but she collided with CSUF's Brianna Buffington. The ball stayed loose in the box, and Kristen Boujos took advantage of it and gave the Titans a 2-0 lead in the 51st minute.

LMU had its most dangerous opportunity with 16 minutes remaining. Stefanie Baduria was able to get a head on the ball following an Alicia Lloyd throw in. The ball traveled through traffic in front of the net, but CSUF goalkeeper Karen Beardsley was there to make the save.

Slovek, the 2006 WCC Defensive Player of the Year, had several spectacular saves in the game, including a pair with less than three minutes remaining in the game. The Titans had a four-man breakaway but Slovek stopped a point blank shot by Buffington with a kick save, and then saved the rebound shot by Desiree Flint. 

Buffington would get her goal a minute later. Slovek came out to challenge a cross by Tanya Slusser, but Buffington was able to get to the ball and just barely touch it away from Slovek. She maneuvered around the keeper and shot the ball into the open net at the 88:07 mark.

For the game, Fullerton outshot LMU 15-6, including a 10-3 advantage in shots on goal. Baduria and Tana Smothermon led LMU with two shots in the game. Slovek finished with seven saves for the game.

It was an outstanding season for LMU, as the team finishes the season with a 10-3-6 record.

- GO LIONS! -