The Irvine Valley women's soccer team played Southwestern tough in its opener, but came up on the short end of a 3-0 non-conference decision Friday at home.

The Lasers had a chance to take an early lead. In the fifth minute, a shot by freshman forward Monica Ramirez was deflected by Southwestern’s goalie.
The ball rolled toward the goal, but a defender was able to clear it before the ball reached the line.

IVC freshman keeper Christina Huapaya made a save on a Jaguar free kick in the 19th minute.

The game remained scoreless until Southwestern found the back of the net in the 43rd minute. Andrea Najara sent a cross from left to right that found its way through the IVC defense to Elizabeth Rincon, who was waiting on the back post to tap the ball in.

Najara then set up Simone Willter’s goal in the sixth minute of the second half to put Southwestern up, 2-0.

Sophomore midfielder Brittney Threestar had IVC’s best chance in the second half, missing just wide left of the goal on a shot from the right side.

Southwestern capped the scoring in the final minute when Jeanette Arellano rolled a shot in after a scramble from a corner kick.

Huapaya finished with five saves for the Lasers.

Irvine Valley plays again next Tuesday, traveling to Palomar for a non-conference game at 3 p.m.