POMONA, Calif. – Humboldt State was able to respond once, but not twice, as Cal Poly Pomona (9-5-2, 6-4-2) upended the Lumberjacks (9-6-2, 5-4-2), 2-1, on Thursday afternoon.
 
"Great teams respond to adversity," said Head Coach Paul Karver. "We have continued to do that all year, and there isn't a fiber in me that doesn't believe we will do that on Saturday.
 
The Jacks were outshot in the opening half, 8-1, but five saves by goalkeeper Caitlin Plese kept the game scoreless.
 
Less than 10 minutes into the second period, the Broncos jumped ahead with the game's first goal. Pomona's Daisy Duran received a top-of-the-box pass from teammate Tori Tappero in the 55^th minute of play. Duran calmly placed the ball to the far right side of the net, outside the extended reach of Plese for her fifth goal of the year.
 
The HSU deficit did not last long. After drawing a foul and free kick, the Jacks lined up for the set piece. Freshman Bridget Daley scored her team-high sixth goal of the year after finishing the free kick in the upper left corner of the net.
 
The tie was short-lived, however, as Pomona capitalized on an own goal from within the Humboldt box. The 69^th minute goal stood as the difference in the match, as the Broncos were able to hold on for the victory and three points.
 
"Great players love big games, and Saturday will be one of the biggest in our program's history," said Karver. "The good news is that we have some of the greatest young women I have ever had the pleasure of being around, and those great young women will rise to the occasion."
 
The loss sets up a pivotal final match on Saturday at Cal State San Bernardino. As of the conclusion of Thursday's game, Humboldt holding the sixth and final California Collegiate Athletic Association playoff spot, with the rest of the league still scheduled for late afternoon and evening games on Friday. Final standings and playoffs scenarios will be answered at the conclusion of the final CCAA match on Saturday night.