STOCKTON, Calif. – The Portland State University women's soccer team closed out its non-conference schedule in a big way as the Vikings picked up a 1-0 victory over Pacific (Calif.) on Sunday for their first win of the season.
 
With the win, the Vikings improve to 1-8-0 on the year as they prepare to begin Big Sky Conference play next week. For Pacific, the Tigers drop to 3-6-0 on the season.
 
"Best performance as a team all year!" said Head Coach Katie Burton. "Obviously, a win before conference gives us some confidence, but more importantly was the team's effort and application of the tactical and technical concepts we have been working on all season."
 
After a scoreless first half, Portland State netted the game-winner in the 69^th minute when Baylee Groom sent a through ball into the box as Regan Russell fought off a defender before sliding at the ball to sneak it under Pacific's keeper for a goal.
 
"Regan played like a senior today with that finish, and the timing and ball from Baylee was fantastic," said Burton.
 
Russell nearly doubled her goals, hitting another attempt moments later that found the back of the net but was called offside. Three different Vikings have now scored this season with Rilee Castilla and Sienna Higinbotham both adding two goals earlier on the year.
 
The Tigers came out shooting in the first half, hitting their first attempt of the post in the opening minute. After fighting off a couple of set pieces by Pacific, the Vikings took over offensively with five straight shots.
 
PSU's best look in the first half came in the 18^th minute when Sofi Papastamos poked the ball from a defender and with only the keeper to beat, passed off to Russell who nearly scored as Pacific's goalie leaped to pop the ball over the crossbar.
 
The Tigers edged out Portland State in shots 15 to 11 but the Vikings were much more efficient, earning eight shots on goal to six. Russell finished with a season-high four shots, all landing on goal while Castilla followed with two shots on goal.
 
Both teams kept up the fight in the second half with Pacific nearly scoring in the 56^th minute until a diving save by Enya Hernandez kept the Tigers scoreless. Hernandez played a phenomenal match in between the posts, collecting six saves on the day.
 
"Enya was fearless, especially in the final 15 minutes on corners, coming out and punching very dangerous back side balls," added Burton. "This was a team result though, I cannot say enough about the effort of every single player from start to finish."
 
As Pacific continued to look for the tying goal in the final five minutes of play, Hernandez collected another save before back-to-back corners by the Tigers ended in punchouts to keep the Vikings in the lead.
 
 "We are Most excited about the resilience this team has shown game after game. It is very difficult to pick yourself back up after losses and every game they keep showing up and understanding we are making progress," said Burton.
 
The Vikings remain on the road next weekend as they open Big Sky play at Idaho State on Friday, Sept. 27 before closing out their six-match road stint at Weber State on Sunday, Sept. 29.