SAN DIEGO (Aug. 25) -- Andrea Larsen's equalizing goal in the second half gave Seattle Pacific University a 1-1 draw with Point Loma Nazarene as the Falcon women's soccer program made its debut Saturday.

Larsen (Sr., Portland, Or./Central Catholic) scored the historic first goal 5 minutes, 50 seconds into the second half. After taking a through ball from Melissa Ellingson (Fr., Shoreline, Wa./Shorewood), she beat a defender and hit a left-footed shot from 15 yards inside the near post. A transfer from Oklahoma State, Larsen had scored the only goal in the Falcons' exhibition win over Concordia Thursday.

Point Loma, ranked No. 23 among NAIA teams, struck first. Kelly Gordon staked the Crusaders to 1-0 lead just before intermission on a penalty kick.

"The girls really rose to the occasion and were aware that they were part of something with real historical significance," said Bobby Bruch, SPU head coach. "(SPU) President (Philip) Eaton wrote us a letter, which was read before the game, and the girls really felt inspired."

Seattle Pacific twice nearly pulled out a win before the end of regulation.

Tara Wood (Fr., Bellevue, Wa./Newport) stole the ball and broke loose 1-on-1 against Point Loma keeper Kristen Pyburn in the 60th minute only to be denied.

Goalie Jennifer Hull (Fr., Eugene, Or./Sheldon) gathered in a ball and threw to forward Michelle Sanders (Fr., Centralia, Wa.), who dribbled 60 yards down the right flank before unleashing a 15-yard drive which Pyburn smothered just as time expired.

"The first 20 minutes we actually looked very sharp and knocked the ball around," said Bruch. "The penalty was a tough call. But I'm pleased that we cam e out of it healthy and we fought to the last minute."

SPU plays Vanguard in Costa Mesa Tuesday night. The first home game is Sept. 8 vs. Central Washington at Interbay Stadium.

Scoring--1, PLN, Gordon (penalty kick) 44:30; 2, SPU, Larsen (Ellingson) 50:50.

Shots--SPU 7, PLN 10.

Saves--SPU (Hull) 8, PLN (Pyburn) 6.

Corner kicks--SPU 4, PLN 4.

Fouls--SPU 8, PLN 7.

Lineups--Seattle Pacific: Hull; Roberts, Ellingson, Lim, A-K Peterson; Al. Peterson, Milligan, Henson, Stalnaker; Farrison, Larsen. Subs: Wood, Sanders. Point Loma: Pyburn; Illingworth, McLawhorn, Wilcox, Jewell; Golden, Palmquist, Bogne; Fankhauser, Bowles, Grace. Subs: Evans, Conner, Boucher, McNeal, Jupin.