Box Score San Marcos, Calif. --- The previously undefeated Eagles fall at the hands of CSU San Marcos, 2-0, thanks to a stifling defensive performance by the No. 15 Cougars.
 
After setting a program record with six consecutive wins to start the season, the women's high-powered offense, which averaged over 20 shots per game entering the day, was eaten up by the Cougars' aggressive, high-pressure defense. The Eagles scored 20 goals in their record run and were inside the top-10 in the NAIA in shots, but that offensive was mysteriously missing today. Those numbers were guaranteed to go down against higher competition, but Biola has to be disappointed with its offensive efforts today, getting just three shots total, with Shea Davis posting the Eagles' only shot-on-goal in the contest.
 
Coming into the season, one of the question marks surrounding this team were its young forwards, and how would they could handle generating offense. These worries were allayed by excellent performances from Taylor Venegas, eight points, Brittney Sayre, six points and Ashley Ramirez, six points. However, the concerns about the Eagles' efforts in the offensive third came back in a big way against the Cougars, as Biola's only shot-on-goal came from defender.  
 
Part of the problem was the aggressive, physical defense played by CSUSM. The Cougars racked up 13 fouls and two yellow cards, but they stayed in control to avoid any game-breaking red cards. Biola, whose offense has thrived in counters and open-field play, struggled to capitalize on set pieces and free kicks with over 18 attempts in corners and free kicks allotting to nothing.
 
Biola's defense also regressed slightly against the No. 15 Cougars. They gave up nine shots total, nearly three more than the Eagles' had been allowing on average, but played a decent contest overall. The back line just could not stop Cougars' forward Paulina Good. She was consistently able to connect with her midfielders and get the ball with a scoring chance, and she finally connected a little over three minutes into the second half.

She had another opportunity with 20 minutes left in the game, and she cemented the victory by drawing a penalty and finishing it to put the Cougars up two and on the way to their third win. It was a win well-needed, as CSUSM lost its previous two contests entering the day.
 
Biola starts conference play on Tuesday at Arizona Christian, so Head Coach Todd Elkins will look to get the women back to their winning ways. There is not much time for significant adjustments, but Biola did defeat ACU 7-0 the last time the two sides went head-to-head.