College women's soccer: Sonoma State advances in NCAA tournament with 2-0 win against Point Loma

Melissa LaFranchi and Bella Amyx each scored a goal and the Sonoma State defense did the rest as the Seawolves’ women’s soccer team advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II West Regional with a 2-0 victory against Point Loma Thursday night in Azusa.

SSU, the No. 3 seed, will play No. 2 Azusa Pacific at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

It was the 14th shutout of the season for the Seawolves and improves their record to 14-2-3. It was also their first victory in the NCAA tournament since 1998.

LaFranchi’s goal came at 30:53 of the first half when Point Loma keeper Ariel Oriarte misplayed a ball and it bounded away from her. LaFranchi knocked in the loose ball from six yards out for her second goal of the season. Carolyn Greco got the assist.

The insurance goal by Amyx came with 30:30 left in the game. She found the back of the net from a side angle for her fourth goal of the year.

It was the first time this season the San Diego school had surrendered more than one goal in a game.

SSU, ranked No. 17 nationally, finished with seven shots on goal. Point Loma had four, only one of those in the first half.

Ashley Luis was in goal for the Seawolves.

Coach Emiria Salzmann Dunn felt her team played a complete game.

“We came out with a lot of energy, which is important in a single-elimination tournament like this,” she said. “I thought we were emotionally in control and I was impressed by the maturity the girls showed.”

Salzmann Dunn said her strikers did an amazing job working behind the ball. LaFranchi, Amyx and Sara Van Wagoner started and five other players also saw action at that position.