AZUSA, Calif. -- With both teams scoreless heading into the final five minutes of regulation, McKenzie Maher took a pass from Brigid Lummis inside the box, made a touch, then fired a shot off the right post and into the net, lifting the Sonoma State women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over host Azusa Pacific in the season opener on Thursday.  Maher's game-winner was just the 11th shot combined by both squads in the defensive battle, giving the Seawolves a perfect start to the 2014 campaign.

When the final whistle blew, Sonoma State held the slight edge in shot attempts (6-5) -- both teams fired four shots each in the final 45 minutes -- but Azusa Pacific had a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks.  Both goalkeepers, SSU's Allison Hadidian and APU's Sarah Klinkenberg, each made one stop on the afternoon.

Sonoma State returns to the pitch on Saturday against Point Loma in San Diego at 1:00 pm.