MALIBU, Calif. --- Larkin Russell converted a PK late and the Pilots nearly completed the comeback at Rokus Field, but in the end the Pepperdine Waves held on for a 2-1 win over Portland in the West Coast Conference opener on Saturday afternoon. Two of the three goals came on penalties, and the Pilots had another PK saved.
 
Trailing 2-0 with 10 minutes remaining in regulation, the Pilots earned a penalty, their second of the match, after the Waves were called for a foul inside the 18-yard box. This time it was Russell who took the free attempt, and she provided a composed finish to pull the Pilots within a goal.
 
From there the Pilots searched for the equalizer, and they nearly found it on the dangerous shot off the foot of Natalie Muth. In the 85th minute, Muth hit a quality strike towards the frame that appeared destined for the back of the net. But Pepperdine's goalkeeper, Kinsey Ehmann, made a clutch save, denying the shot and preserving the lead.
 
Portland (4-3-2, 0-1-0 WCC) did have a few more chances with free kicks during the final minutes, but the Waves (5-4-2, 1-0-0 WCC) prevailed for the home victory.
 
The Waves previously took a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute when the Pilots were called for a foul in the area, and the head referee pointed to the spot. Trinity Watson put away the penalty, and the home side had a one-goal edge.
 
The Pilots looked to level the score when they were awarded their first penalty 10 minutes later after Pepperdine committed a hard foul inside the box. It was Taryn Ries who stepped to the spot for the Pilots, but her strike was saved by Ehmann as the Waves took their 1-0 lead into the half.
 
Portland's Jamie Rita had a shot saved early in the match, and goalkeeper Jenny Wahlen made a pair of saves during the first 45 minutes to help keep the Pilots within reach.
 
The Pilots began the second half with a couple of chances, and Ellie Walker had a low shot saved in the 58th minute. Walker was looking to hit one inside the left post from the top of the box.
 
Moments later Pepperdine capitalized on a counter when Joelle Anderson played a nice ball through to Hailey Stenberg. Stenberg took a couple of touches to avoid a Portland defender and pulled Wahlen off her line. She then found the corner of the net, and the Waves had a 2-0 advantage.
 
The goal is Russell's first of the year, and Wahlen finished the day with three stops. Ehmann countered with five saves overall.
 
The Pilots next return home to host the Gonzaga Bulldogs in a WCC match on Wednesday night, Kickoff at Merlo Field is set for 7 p.m.