Vanguard seeks goal

The Vanguard University women’s soccer team has ventured to Decatur, Ala. Only to find itself matched up against a Southern California neighbor in the second round of the NAIA Tournament.

The Lions (13-1-6) will face Golden State Athletic Conference rival Point Loma Nazarene (13-4-3) today at 2 p.m. in the first of four potential games in Alabama through Saturday.

Vanguard defeated Cal State San Marcos, 1-0, at home Saturday to join 15 other teams, who began second-round games Monday. Junior Karri Currier converted a penalty kick in the 17th minute and senior goalie Jillian Foss recorded her 11th shutout of the season, the team’s 12th, without having to make a save.

Vanguard and Point Loma played to a 0-0 tie on Nov. 13 (Vanguard earned the tournament victory in penalty kicks). Vanguard, on a 15-match unbeaten streak, won the first meeting, 1-0, at home on Oct. 21.

Coach Randy Dodge’s Lions, who have outscored opponents, 37-9, are led by freshman Amanda Couch (nine goals and seven assists), and sophomore Gabriela Valles (10 goals, four assists).

— Barry Faulkner