Malibu, Calif. - In the West Coast Conference opener for both teams, Pacific fell short of Pepperdine, falling 1-0 at Tari Frahm Rokus Field in Malibu. Lena Perry finished with seven saves for the Tigers. Pacific drops to 1-7-1 (0-1-0 WCC) on the season in defeat while Pepperdine moves to 6-3-2 (1-0-0 WCC) with the home victory on Friday afternoon.

The Waves, who came into the contest receiving votes in the NSCAA Poll after six straight weeks solidly entrenched in the Top 25, lit up the scoreboard first in the 35th minute after Pepperdine was awarded a hand ball in the penalty area. The illegal touch in the box led to a penalty kick try from Kristen Rodriguez. Rodriguez converted from the 12 yard spot to put the hosts ahead 1-0 going into the final ten minutes prior to intermission.

The 1-0 scoreline held as Pacific was unable to equalize before the halftime buzzer sounded. Perry's 30th minute save represented the only Pepperdine shot on goal from the field in the first. Perry was tested early in the second half as Pepperdine fired three shot attempts on goal in the first 15 minutes of the second period, with each going fruitless as the Tiger 'keeper corralled the tries to keep Pacific within striking distance.

In the 62nd minute, Pacific's Alex Hussar had a chance to equalize but saw her shot sail wide of the goalmouth. Perry added saves in the 64th, 66th and 88th minute, keeping the Waves at bay and off the scoreline in the final 45 minutes of play. 

For Pepperdine, Taylor Alvarado and Michelle Maemone fired two shots on goal each while Hannah Seabert registered a clean sheet, her fifth of the 2015 campaign.

Head Coach Keith Coleman said following the contest, "The team battled today against one of the top teams in the country and I am impressed and proud of their grit and determentation. We are improving every game and look forward to the challenge of playing another top team on Sunday."

The Tigers will return to conference play on Sunday as the Orange and Black faces off with Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles. The contest is scheduled for 1:00 pm and will be streamed live via TheW.tv. Live stats links are also available via PacificTigers.com.  For the latest on the Pacific Women's Soccer team, be sure to follow @PacificSoccer on Twitter and Instagram.