USF wins a close one in Malibu

The first half of play saw USF come out a bit sluggish as Pepperdine came close on a number of opportunities to score the game's first goal. However, a combination of timely saves by Dons goalkeeper Stephanie Beall and some lucky bounces of the post allowed USF to stay within striking distance of the Waves.

The first goal of the game occurred for Pepperdine's in the 31st minute as the freshman midfielder Samantha Hire made an excellent pass to Senior forward Ali Pavoni who was five feet from the net when she turned around and kicked the ball past the diving Dons goalie. For Pavoni, the goal represented her first of the season.

The first half domination for Pepperdine was reflected in the stats as they out shot San Francisco 10-1, and had the advantage in corner kicks 10-0.

However, the second half was a completely different story as USF was able to regroup as they played with the focus and determination expected from the Pamela Kalinoski coached team. "We talked about somethings at halftime and the girls came out much sharper in the second half. This game was a testament to the teams resolve and they persevered. I'm very impressed with our team. Additionally, I'd like to commend Stephanie Beall for keeping us in the game until our offense woke up. She was tremendous out there."

Sparking the second half comeback was freshman forward Lauren Tweet who was instrumental in the USF comeback as she recorded her first three collegiate points of her career and gave the Dons the spark they needed to turn this game around.

In the 63rd minute, Tweet was dribbling the ball down the far right corner of the Waves zone when she made a perfect cross to a streaking Shuree Hyatt, who was able to leap higher than the Pepperdine defender and head the ball into the Pepperdine net. For Hyatt the goal represented her seventh of the season, which ties her for the team lead in goals scored with fellow sophomore Chelsea Hunt.

15 minutes later, in the games 78th minute, Hunt made an excellent pass to open Lauren Tweet who dribbled the ball a few feet before rocketing a shot passed Anna Picarelli, the Waves goalkeeper. The goal for Tweet was the first of her collegiate career and it provided the difference in the game as USF was able to hold onto the precious one goal lead and defeat the Waves by a 2-1 score.

After the game, Lauren Tweet was pleased with her performance as she tried to put her firt collegiate goal into perspective, "I'm thrilled to get the goal, it's a great feeling. However, I'm happier that we won and that I could contribute postively to the victory."

For USF, they will have Monday off before facing Hawaii on Tuesday at Negoesco Stadium at 7:00 pm.