After a tough battle against the 12th ranked team in the nation, the women’s soccer team lost 2-1 to Point Loma Nazarene University last weekend while in Laguna Beach, Calif.

The ‘Cats fell 1-0 in the first half but answered quickly with a goal from sophomore Jen Sampson. Going into the second half, tied and with a clean slate, the women were ready to push the pace and give Point Loma a run for its money. However, luck seemed to be on their opponent’s side as the winning shot found its way to goal after bouncing off a player and into the net.

“We were on our way, and we gave up a fluke goal,” coach Nate Houser said. “Don’t get me wrong, they are a very talented team. But their goal was a set piece driven in and off somebody’s thigh that looped over our goalie’s head. She didn’t really have a chance to save it because it was just such an awkward play.”

Despite the loss, senior Sara Matthews said the women never backed down and matched their opponents’ athleticism throughout the entire game.

“It seemed like it was fairly even matched,” Matthews said. “We were definitely playing the physical side to our advantage, and they never broke us down defensively.”

Houser said he was happy to have the chance to compete with a top-ranked team, but thinks the experience as a whole is what made the four days in California so rewarding.

“I think an important part part of the college experience is going out and seeing places you have never seen,” Houser said. “We had one player on the team who had never seen the ocean before. I don’t think you can quantify how that changes somebody.”

With four days and only one game, the team had the chance to enjoy the scenery and take part in some ocean-side activities. The women’s and men’s teams were given the opportunity to take surf lessons from a professional surfer.

“We got to go to the beach all day on Sunday and we got surfing lessons from a Baker alumnus,” junior Jessica Schrock said. “And after the girls’ game on Saturday night we got to go eat dinner with all of the alumni that are from the area, and that was a really cool experience.”

The time off the field was just as important as the time played. With both teams on the trip Schrock said it was a great opportunity for them to build chemistry.

“It was a good bonding experience for the girls and the guys to be together,” Schrock said. “And I think a lot of the freshmen found their place on the team while we were there.”