TUCSON, Ariz. – The University of Arizona women's soccer team suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of 14th-ranked Pepperdine by a score of 1-0. The game was called in the 79th minute due to lightning.

The game got off to a bit of a slow start as neither team was able to create a scoring chance early, but Arizona was doing a good job of possessing in Pepperdine's third.

Pepperdine had the first chance of the game in the 17th minute as a low cross went across the goal line and was headed towards another Wave forward, but keeper Rachel Estopare, who got the start in cage, was able to dive and snatch it away.

In the 20th minute, Paige Crouch launched her best flip throw of the season towards the goal box. Hayley Estopare took off and got her head on it, but the ball went just over the crossbar.

Three minutes later, Estopare got her head on a Gabi Stoian corner kick, but Pepperdine keeper Hannah Seabert was able to make her first save of the day comfortably.

In the 30th minute, Kaitlyn Lopez entered the game for Arizona, which was a special moment due to the fact that she acquired an injury during the preseason and had been held out of action all season.

Hannah Wong got active starting in the 32nd minute as she had two good chances on goal. Her first one was saved by Seabert and her second shot was an attempted chip, but it went just over the bar and landed on top of the goal.

In the 36th minute, Stoian was breaking free on the left wing and Wong attempted a through ball, but was unable to connect. Had the duo connected, it would've been a breakaway for Stoian.

Pepperdine broke the seal in the 46th minute after new Arizona keeper Lainey Burdett was not able to collect a cross and Mikayla Arcebido was able to easily put it in the back of the net.

Wong was able to find some more space in the 52nd minute after making a long run with the ball. She ripped a shot that was on target and looked to be good, but Seabert made the save.

Seabert continued her good day in the cage as she was able to stop a Crouch shot that looked to be the equalizer. Crouch received a surgical pass from Stoian in the 56th minute and ran with it for about 30 yards. Her shot came from the left side of the goal at about a 45-degree angle and went towards the far post. 

No real chances occurred for the next 20 minutes, and then the teams were told to clear the field due to lightning in the 79th minute. After about a 40 minute delay, the game was officially called and Pepperdine was awarded a 1-0 win.

Arizona is back in action on Friday, Sept. 18 as they travel to Riverside, Calif. to take on UC Riverside at 7 p.m. MST.

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