DENVER – MSU Denver's grueling non-conference women's soccer schedule wrapped up Saturday, with a 2-1 loss to No. 9 Point Loma (Calif.).
 
"The best brings out the best, and that's why we wanted to play the best in non-conference," MSU Denver coach Kat Mertz said. "Because we knew we needed to grow as a team quickly. You can't walk into the RMAC after playing an easy non-conference schedule. It's just unforgiving. The competition will bring out the best."
 
The competition has made the Roadrunners, still a young group, look as if they are capable of playing with anyone.
 
Point Loma struck for a quick goal just 5:13 into the game, but MSU Denver charged right back.
 
"We knew they were going to come out of the gates," Mertz said. "But we started slow. This was a fast-paced game. That is an NCAA Tournament team. That's the level that we want to be at. We showed moments of it, and we've got to be more consistent. You can't take five minutes off and expect that a good team won't punish you."
 
Undaunted, the Roadrunners answered just 8:50 later, as Sami Spring scored off Dani Nelson's free kick into the box.
 
"I told the team that we were due for a set-piece goal," Mertz said. "And there you go."
 
A somewhat interesting foul called on MSU Denver at 62:00 led to a free kick from just outside the box, and Emma Thrapp scored from there.

"What a strike," Mertz said. "She's a good player. That's a good team. They have really talented players.
 
"The second goal was tough. But overall, there were some really great moments."
 
MSU Denver goalkeeper Kylie Bach was spectacular, making a career-high eight saves in all – many in acrobatic fashion.
 
"Kylie, what a game today," Mertz said. "She showed what kind of goalkeeper she is, and also what kind of goalkeeper she can be."
 
The Roadrunners, 1-2-3, open league play Friday with a 5 p.m. game at Regis.
 
"Our team always plays with a lot of heart and a lot of passion," Mertz said. "We have fun out there. But fun is also winning, and we've got to find a way to win. The RMAC starts on Friday and it's go time."