MALIBU, California – The Pepperdine women's soccer team's 2020-21 season came to an end on Saturday with a 3-0 loss at Gonzaga.
 
The Bulldogs (7-3-1, 5-2-1) and the Waves (6-5-1, 5-3-1) should finish third and fourth, respectively, in the modified West Coast Conference standings.
 
For the 11th time in 12 games the Waves outshot the opponent, but Pepperdine couldn't convert despite some excellent chances, while the Zags made the most of their opportunities and scored on their only two shots in the first half, and three of their first four attempts.
 
GOALS
 
Gonzaga 8': The Bulldogs' Madison Kemp hit a long back from her defensive end. Two Pepperdine defenders looked like they would get to it first, but Gonzaga's Sydni Burrup instead cut through and poked the ball past the keeper for the opening goal.
 
Gonzaga 40': Alaysia Lane sent in a corner kick from the right side. It was headed down by Lauren Elwer toward the right post and the feet of Kate Doyle, who quickly turned and scored from close range.
 
Gonzaga 54': On another corner kick, Burrup crossed it in from the right side and Kemp met it at the back post and headed it in.
 
STATS
 
Shots: Pepperdine 13, Gonzaga 8
Shots on Goal: Pepperdine 3, Gonzaga 5
Saves: Zoe Clevely (Pepperdine) 0, Kinsey Ehmann (Pepperdine) 2, Lyza Bosselmann (Gonzaga) 3
Corner Kicks: Pepperdine 3, Gonzaga 6
Fouls: Pepperdine 9, Gonzaga 12
Offside: Pepperdine 1, Gonzaga 4
 
QUOTABLE
 
Pepperdine Coach Tim Ward said: "It was a strange game. The score wasn't really reflected in the chances produced in the game, but Gonzaga played excellent today. We started off and their keeper made two great saves. On the first goal, unfortunately we had a little bit of miscommunication. That was the unfortunate beginning and that really lifted Gonzaga's spirit. And we hadn't conceded a set piece goal all year, and then today we gave up two. After the second goal you saw their energy lift, and it was a bummer for us being down 2-0 and not playing that bad. We had so many great chances and moments, but we didn't capitalize. It's not what we wanted, but it's what we needed heading into the postseason as a reminder that we have to put in the work, because Gonzaga outworked us today.
 
"We told our seniors we love them and we're so grateful for their years of service, and getting us through this crazy season that was unlike any in the history of college athletics. Their leadership was fantastic and we're eternally grateful, and we wish them success in their next chapters of their lives."
 
Ward singled out Joelle Anderson, Devyn Gilfoy, Tori Waldeck and Kelsey Hill for their play today.