The University of Redlands women's soccer team traveled to Whittier College for Wednesday's Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) showdown.  Following their last-minute victory over Cal Lutheran University four days ago, the Bulldogs suffered the opposite result against the Poets, who scored the only goal of the game in the 89th minute to send the Bulldogs home with a tough loss.

Redlands was under pressure from the opening whistle, as junior goalkeeper Brittany Dinkins (Renton, WA) came up with two saves before the 10-minute mark.

However, senior forward Hayley Romo (Port Orchard, WA) did her best to turn the tide on the Poets, with a quality look that forced the home team's goalkeeper to make a stop.

A back-and-forth battle ensued with few chances for either team. Sophomore midfielder Emily Falla (Woodinville, WA) let loose a solid shot in the 40th minute before the teams headed into halftime in a scoreless stalemate.

During the second half, the pace of play elevated with a sense of urgency, as each squad registered eight shots.  Among Redlands' five on-frame attempts, senior forward Madison Mills (San Ramon, CA) and junior midfielder Mel Johnson (Bremerton, WA) took advantage of opportunity inside the offensive third, but the Poets maintained their clean sheet.

Beginning in the 79th minute, Redlands had its best chances to convert the break-through, as first-year midfielder Logan Swim (Issaquah, WA), junior forward Alexa Groesser (Greenwood Village, CO), and senior defender Louisa Alstot (Portland, OR) uncorked a trio of save-worthy shots in a five-minute span.    

Unfortunately for Redlands, the Poets managed to sneak in a goal with only 90 seconds remaining in the game.

Swim mustered one more attempt but it was blocked, resulting in the heartbreaking loss for the Maroon and Gray.

Redlands (6-4-1, 5-2-1 SCIAC) hosts Chapman University for Breast Cancer Awareness Night on Wednesday, October 10, at 7 p.m. on Farquhar Field.