LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's women's soccer team battled its way to a 1-1 tie Saturday with defending national champion Point Loma thanks to a stunning strike from Delia Bocanegra.

After Shelby Melin booted a long pass out of Cal State LA's end of the field, Bocanegra ran onto it, maneuvered her way into the box and drilled a shot just inside the far post and under the crossbar in the 83rd minute to lift the Golden Eagles to the dramatic tie.

Cal State LA and  Point Loma tied for the second straight season.

The Sea Lions, the 2023 national champions, led for most of the game after taking a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute on a goal by Alana Diaz. The Sea Lions had an 8-4 advantage in shots and, after Cal State LA came out from halftime with a renewed purpose, they seemed to weather the surge and looked very much like a team capable of defending its title.

Cal State LA, though, began to assert itself in the final 15 or so minutes and the work was finally rewarded with Bocanegra's goal.

The sequence started innocently enough with the Sea Lions pressuring the Golden Eagles and Cal State LA's defense proving to be up to the task. A couple quick passes got the ball on the foot of Melin, who sent a left-footed pass way down field where Bocanegra was able to run onto it. A few seconds and a few determined moves later, Bocanegra found the back of the net for her second goal of the season and certainly her most dramatic.

Melin was credited with her team-leading third assist of the season.

Cal State LA goalkeeper Taesja Paopao had another strong game, making six saves and helping the Golden Eagles navigate five first-half Point Loma corner kicks. Point Loma goalkeeper Julia Pinnell was outstanding as well, also making six saves.

Point Loma had a 16-12 edge in shots, although Cal State LA's late surge made it 8-8 in the second half. The Sea Lions had a 5-3 edge in corner kicks with all three of Cal State LA's attempts coming in the second half. 

Cal State LA will return to action on Wednesday with its first road match of the season at Biola.