PORTLAND, Ore. --- The Portland Pilots created chances throughout the night, but in the end the difference was a Baylor penalty shot as the Bears escaped Merlo Field with a 1-0 win at the Nike Invitational on Friday night.
 
The Pilots (2-5-0) were the more dangerous team in the first half as the home side had a handful of quality looks. In the sixth minute, Kimberly Hazlett had possession inside the 18 near the right post. With only the BU keeper to beat, Hazlett hit a well-struck shot that was denied by the goalie Jennifer Wandt.
 
Moments later Hazlett whipped in a dangerous cross towards the far post. Hannah Griffiths Boston was there for a header, but she sent it just wide as the game would remain scoreless.
 
The Pilots continued to pressure the final third, and in the 33rd minute, a cleared ball fell to the feet of Kendra Steele 22 yards out. The freshman turned and hit a quick reaction shot with her left foot, nearly finding the top shelf. But Wandt provided a game-saving stop when she got a touch on it to re-direct it off the crossbar.
 
With the game still tied 0-0 in the 35th minute, Maddie Dieker played a great through ball to Hazlett, who hit a low cross towards Ellie Winkelmann, who was unmarked and making run down the middle of the box. But the shot off the foot of Winkelmann was high as the Bears dodged another opportunity by the Pilots.
 
Baylor's (5-0-1) Aline De Lima then scored the game's only goal when she converted a PK in the 37th minute. Baylor was awarded the free attempt after Portland was called for a foul in the box, and the senior stepped to the spot and slotted it in to make it a 1-0 game.
 
It was a lead the Bears wouldn't relinquish as they collect their fourth shutout on the year. The Pilots nearly found the equalizer late in the match when Dieker reached the end line with possession and sent in a perfectly placed ball towards the far post. But the Pilots couldn't provide a finishing touch as the Bears held on for the win.
 
Portland goalkeeper Rachel Lusby was solid in goal, finishing with six saves, including a clutch save in a 1-v-1 in the second half. Wandt countered with three stops.
 
"Baylor did a good job to come into a hostile environment and get the win," said Portland head coach Garrett Smith. "It was a good representation by the student body and that's what makes Portland special."
 
The Nike Invitational continues with two more games on Sunday. First the Washington Huskies, who defeated the Boise State Broncos 2-0 on Friday afternoon, play Baylor at 12 p.m. The Pilots and Broncos then face each other at 3 p.m.