Biola’s women’s soccer team’s record fell to 4-5-3 after one loss and one tie in a difficult week of conference games.

On Saturday, Biola lost to Azusa Pacific 3-1. The Cougars jumped out in front early, and Biola never recovered. Senior Caitlin Peterson scored to pull Biola within one goal in the second half, but Azusa answered four minutes later with a goal that put the game away.

“We didn’t communicate as much as we could have on the field,” said freshman Jessica Austin about Saturday’s game. “And we didn’t get a chance to keep possession of the ball and do what we do best.”

Biola played well offensively and put two shots on goal, but the outlook of the game was daunting from the beginning. Azusa scored a goal eight minutes into the first half and then again half way through the second half. Biola retaliated with a goal in the second half–– a penalty kick by senior Caitlin Peterson–– but were unable to take control of the ball again until two minutes within the end of the game.

“Our performance was not as good as it could have been as a team. We could have put up a better fight than the one we gave,” said sophomore Natalie Oliver.

However, the loss has not been damaging to the team’s morale.

“I didn’t feel any less confident than any other game. The loss only made me want to work harder for the team,” Oliver said. “With each loss and tie, it definitely brings a little more pressure to get a ‘W,’ because as each game passes is one less opportunity to gain the win.”

Biola scores early, but ties Hope International Tuesday

At the game against Hope International on Tuesday evening, Sophomore Ashleigh Cooley scored for Biola only six minutes in, after receiving a pass from sophomore Taylor Lundquist. However, the Royals tied the game in the second half with a header from Leslie White off a corner kick. Neither team could score in overtime and the game ended in a tie.

“We just need to bounce back and play to our best ability,” said Austin. “If we just believe in ourselves and play to our fullest potential, we can do well in our upcoming matches.”

Only the top-eight teams in the Golden State Athletic Conference will go to playoffs. And as of Tuesday night, Biola ranks eighth in GSAC. The competition is getting tense as five opposing GSAC teams are now also ranked in the national top-25.

Biola’s next game is Saturday, Oct. 16th at 2:30 p.m. against Concordia.