SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — The Dominican University of California women's soccer team notched its first victory of the season on Saturday with a 1-0 victory over Northwest Nazarene on Kennelly Field at the John F. Allen Athletics Complex.

With 4:32 remaining in regulation, sophomore Lauren Gollnick put a rebound off the goal post into the back of the net to break a scoreless contest and send Dominican home with its first victory under new Head Coach Tara Koleski.

Dominican (1-1) bounced back from a season opener that saw the Penguins manage just two shots with a steady offensive attack on Saturday. Dominican took 14 shots by eight different players and placed nine on frame. Gollnick, the 2012 PacWest Freshman of the Year, led all players with four looks, including two shots on goal. Her game-winner was preceded by a great shot by Julianna Mendez, who was inches away from scoring her first career goal. Instead, that ball struck the post and found the feet of Gollnick for the putback.

"We've always been a bit of a second half team," said Gollnick. "We're still learning to play with each other so hopefully as we develop and get further into the season those goals will come earlier."

Dominican did have chances in the first half. Sara Pimentel's shot in the 23rd minute went a touch wide, then had a shot seconds later but had it stopped by NNU keeper Argia Phillips.

Jill Thomas had a golden opportunity late in the first half. The transfer had three shots, two on goal, including a through ball from Katherine Tottle. Thomas' shot looked destined to go in but Phillips came out to make the save, then crawled to make yet another save as Thomas tried to put the rebound back.

"People committed to our group effort today to defend and get forward. Our mentality to win matchups and attack was the big difference between today and Thursday," said Koleski. "We always need to take away how we can improve to be prepared for conference, and that we will do, but the result was well earned and I hope the players enjoy this day."

For the Crusaders (0-2), it was the second 1-0 loss of the week. NNU attempted eight shots but placed just two on goal. Dominican junior goalkeeper Megan Herring was there to make both stops en route to her 12th career shutout.

The Dominican defense also bolted down. Junior co-captain Kendra Corsberg made a nice slide to clear the ball at the 55-minute mark to thwart an NNU scoring opportunity.

Dominican will look to keep it rolling vs. Humboldt State on Monday, Sept. 9. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m., followed by the men at 3:00 p.m. Both games are at home and will be broadcast live online at dominicanathletics.com/live.

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