COSTA MESA – After nearly two years, Vanguard women's soccer clashed once more with rival Westmont in its first NCAA DII meeting at VU Soccer Field on Thursday. Despite VU forcing four Warrior saves in a threatening first half display, Westmont turned the tide in the second period, grabbing the game's only goal from Ellie Gilbert in the 65th minute.

The 1-0 loss was VU's second straight as it dropped to 2-6, 1-3 in the PacWest. Westmont improved to 3-6-2 and 3-1 in league play, earning its fifth straight win over the Blue and Gold.

Kennedy Cypher tied a career-high in shots and shots on goal, claiming six total and lacing four on target. Francesca Lindstrom and Kate Kokx each forced saves from WC keeper, Ellie Ludwig, who tied her career-high of six saves. Sydney Powell was dangerous with two shots as she tallied her conference high in minutes played.

What Happened?: The Lions looked most likely to break the deadlock in the first half, as they funneled eight shots to Westmont's four. Cypher and Alyssa Fong each found chances within the opening 10 minutes to keep the Warriors pinned back. The Blue and Gold continued forward, as drilling through balls between the Westmont backline appeared to be the recipe for success.

Westmont found a few looks at the VU goal in the middle of the first half, but Ande Siegel's free-kick was smothered by the Lion wall and Amelia Villa's 28th-minute strike flared well over the crossbar.

In the 31st minute, Cypher cut in sharply from the right wing and launched a left-footed shot to require another save from Ludwig. Powell crafted mayhem in the final 10 minutes of the half, picking the pocket of a Westmont defender to carve a shot across the face of the WC goal. Her next opportunity came just three minutes later as she was released by Kokx on the right side, but saw her effort splash against the side netting.

Westmont, who has scored eight of their nine goals in the second half this season, looked fresh out of the gates for the second period. The Warriors scored a 47th minute goal, but it was nullified due to offsides. But that hinted at the potential danger ahead. 

Ten minutes later, Jordin Holmquist-Wilder made the save of the day, after Madi Steinbach squeezed past a Lion defender and ripped the ball to the bottom right corner. Holmquist-Wilder shifted quickly on her line and kept the Lions level with a first-rate fist to force it away.

Westmont's 3-5-2 formation eventually showed its strengths, as the extra numbers in the midfield and linkup play between the two strikers created the 65th-minute goal. After a layoff up top, Villa's midfield pass sent Gilbert through into the box and the freshman found her first collegiate goal for the Warriors.

The Blue and Gold's efforts to rally back came through Cypher, as the junior warranted two more saves from Ludwig, with a shot sprayed bottom right in the 83rd minute and a free-kick pelted down the middle in the 87th minute.

What's Next?: The Lions have a quick turnaround, as they travel to play Azusa Pacific on Saturday, October 12 at 7:30 pm.