ROHNERT PARK, Ca. — In its opening game of 2002, the Seattle Pacific University women’s soccer team was dealt a 1-0 defeat at Sonoma State University Saturday afternoon.

The Seawolves’ Amber Hendrix headed in a goal on a Crystal Howard corner kick in the fifth minute of the match and Sonoma State would never look back. The Seawolves earned 11 corner kicks on the afternoon, seven in the first half. Seattle Pacific was credited with one.

Despite the difference in corner kicks, the Falcons registered 13 shots on goal, just one shy of Sonoma State’s 14. Midfielders Megan Leinhard (Fr., Everett, Wa./Cascade) and Shannon Lovejoy (Fr., Seattle, Wa./Seattle Prep) had three shots apiece.

“0-1 against a great team, we played hard and fought to the end,” said SPU head coach Bobby Bruch. “These players are young, and many are playing in their first collegiate game. I think we got the jitters out of the way.”

Seattle Pacific’s best chance came in the second half, as the team’s only senior, LeRin Farrison (Seattle, Wa./Mountain View/Highline CC) rattled a shot off the crossbar from 10 yards in front of the Seawolves’ goal.

Falcon goalies Jennifer Hull (So., Eugene, Or./Sheldon) and Erin Pierce (Fr., Milwaukee, Or./Rex Putnam) had five saves between them while Sonoma State’s Kellie Campbell registered eight.

Seattle Pacific will head to San Francisco State for its next contest. Kickoff is scheduled for 4PM on Wednesday (Sept. 4). The Falcons’ home opener is slated for September 10, against Whitworth College.

Scoring-
1) SSU, Hendrix (Howard) 5:00.

Shots-- SSU 14, SPU 13.

Saves-- SSU (Campbell 8), SPU (Hull 2, Pierce 3).

Corner Kicks- SSU 11, SPU 1.

Fouls-- SSU 11, SPU 9.

Offside- SSU 1.