MORAGA, Calif. – The Portland State women's soccer team continues to look for that elusive win as Saint Mary's College defeated the Vikings 1-0 on Friday afternoon.
 
The Gaels scored the game-winner in the 28^th minute, shooting from just inside the box and landing in the bottom left corner of the goal. SMC improves to 4-4 on the season, remaining undefeated at home.
 
Despite remaining scoreless, the Vikings (0-8-0) continue to improve on their attack, collecting 13 shots total with five landing on goal. They have tallied 10 or more shots in their last four matches.
 
Saint Mary's began its attack early, sending a through ball in the opening minutes before Enya Hernandez ran up to cut off the pass. Moments later another attempt, this time from outside the box, landed in the arms of Hernandez for a save.
 
The Gaels peppered the Vikings in the first half, recording 14 of its 18 shots in the period.
 
The Vikings found some good chances midway through the half as Tea' Poore hit a shot from deep outside the box that deflected off a defender before nearly going in. Moments later, Sofi Papastamos sent a cross into the box, but the SMC keeper was able to put an end to the threat.
 
In the second half, Portland State's defense held the SMC attack, allowing only four shots while tallying seven attempts for the Vikings. Regan Russell lead PSU with three total shots, landing two on target.
 
Hernandez played one of the best matches in her young career, collecting a season-high eight saves in the match, moving her season total to 39 saves.
 
PSU's best chance came in the 75^th minute as Baylee groom sent a shot from just inside the box that was saved by a diving keeper before Rilee Castilla collected the rebound and shot just too high, bouncing off the crossbar.
 
As time began to run down, the Vikings managed two more attempts in the final five minutes of play, one by Emilee Greve before Sienna Higinbotham had a go from outside the box, ending a save for the Gaels.
 
The Vikings will play their final non-conference match on Sunday as they travel Stockton, Calif., to take on West Coast Conference opponent Pacific (Calif.).