LOS ANGELES — After defeating Pomona-Pitzer on the road in their first matchup this season, the Occidental women's soccer team knew that they would have their hands full at home tonight. It was a competitive matchup and the Tigers had their opportunities, but two first-half goals quickly spoiled Occidental's hopes of a second victory against the second-place Sagehens.

Without leading scorer Nicole Quilliam who missed the game due to injury, Pomona-Pitzer's offense didn't miss a beat in a 3-0 win at Jack Kemp Stadium. Danika Bethune opened the scoring in the 21^st minute when she received a pass from Allie Tao and curled her shot to the far post past Oxy goalkeeper Tayler Renshaw. Allie Tao added another for the Sagehens in the 40^th minute when she headed in cross from Charlotte Fisken. Pomona-Pitzer added a third in the 68^th minute off a corner kick.

Oxy's offense was able to create chances too, something that was missing in their last home game against Redlands, when they registered just four shots. In tonight's game, the offense looked dangerous.

Occidental nearly scored twice in the 35^th minute. Freshman center midfielder Kylie Takafuji played a through ball to freshman forward Julie Khil who had a one-on-one with the keeper. After her first shot nailed the post, Khil sailed the rebound over the crossbar.

In the 87^th minute, the crossbar denied Occidental another goal scoring opportunity. From just outside the box, McCaully Patch hammered a free kick that slammed against the crossbar.  

Occidental resumes play on Saturday morning when they face Cal Lutheran at 11 a.m. at Jack Kemp Stadium.