You Won't Believe What Happened to PLNU's Soccer Team in Shocking NCAA Upset!

In a thrilling NCAA Division II quarterfinal matchup, Midwestern State University edged out Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) with a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory on Saturday afternoon. The key moment came just eight minutes into extra time when Midwestern's Espinal Dereck capitalized on a deflected cross by PLNU goalkeeper Jeremy Caringella, securing the Mustangs’ spot in the Final Four next weekend in Colorado Springs, Colorado. With this loss, PLNU concludes its season with a commendable record of 16-4-2, while Midwestern State improves to 17-3-3.

The match was marked by PLNU's resilience, as the Sea Lions fought back twice from one-goal deficits to force overtime. Elijah Langford opened the scoring for PLNU in the 59th minute, leveling the game at 1-1 with an impressive strike assisted by Curtis Collazos and Inaki Santamarina. After falling behind again, Diego Chavez brought the Sea Lions back into contention with a stunning 25-yard goal, once again showcasing PLNU's tenacity.

Despite the defeat, PLNU's performance was commendable. The team managed to outshoot Midwestern State 15-13, holding a slight edge in shots on goal, 7-5. This match has highlighted PLNU's potential and determination, setting a promising stage for future seasons.

Meanwhile, the excitement at PLNU continued with the women's volleyball team, which was competing in the championship match of the NCAA Division II Western Regional Finals against top-seeded Fresno Pacific. The third-seeded Sea Lions entered the match with a strong record of 26-4, hoping to add another victory to their season after defeating Alaska Fairbanks 3-1 in the semifinals. In that match, senior outside hitter Abigail Nua led with 16 kills, while freshman middle blocker Kyra Miles contributed 12 kills and four blocks, showcasing the team's depth and skill.

On another sports front, the UC San Diego women’s basketball team opened their Big West Conference season with a resounding 75-45 victory over Long Beach State at LionTree Arena. Rosa Smith and Erin Condron stood out with career-high performances, scoring 27 points and 19 points respectively. Smith's accuracy was particularly impressive, as she shot 11-for-18 from the field, including four three-pointers. This win not only bolstered UCSD's record but also demonstrated the team's ability to dominate, especially in the first half where they built a significant 39-16 lead.

Coach Heidi VanDerveer noted the team's positive momentum, saying, “I thought we came in with great pace and great purpose. We have some great young talent and we’re playing without guards Gracie Gallegos and freshman Lev Freiman.” Her sentiments reflect a growing confidence in the team's potential as they look to build on this strong start.

Lastly, in California Community College sports, Mesa College's women's volleyball team continued its impressive run by defeating Santa Monica City College in a grueling five-set match. The Olympians, currently riding a 28-match winning streak, secured their place in the championship match with scores of 25-21, 20-25, 25-23, 20-25, and 15-12. Mia Lundberg was a standout performer, racking up 26 kills and 12 digs, while setter Ruby Ennis facilitated the offense with 50 assists. The Olympians now prepare for the state championship title match, looking to extend their success.

This weekend has been a testament to the resilience and skill of collegiate athletes across various sports in the region, with PLNU and UC San Diego showcasing grit in their respective tournaments and competitions. As teams gear up for further challenges, fans are left eagerly anticipating the next chapter in these thrilling sports narratives.