Feb. 26, 2012

Irvine, Calif. - No. 20 Long Beach State earned a measure of revenge by defeating No. 19 UC San Diego in the final game of the UC Irvine Invitational 8-7. The 49ers fell earlier in the day to No. 6 Hawaii in the team's other match on Sunday.

The 49ers won their final game of the tournament in thrilling fashion over UCSD, avenging a loss from a week ago. The match remained very even through the first half, as both teams scored a goal in the first, and went to halftime tied 3-3. The Tritons were able to take the lead in the third period, however, taking a 6-5 lead into the final quarter. Melissa Matheson evened the score for the 49ers, and Chelsea Parks gave the 49ers the lead with 2:42 remaining. UCSD tied the score once more on the next trip down, but Long Beach State answered right back with the final goal of the match, as Julie Lantz scored a second time to give the 49ers the victory.

Long Beach State came very close to pulling off a huge upset in the first game of the day against the Wahine. The 49ers fell behind 3-1 in the first quarter, and were behind Hawaii 4-1 after second quarter. The 49ers rallied in the second half, staying even with Hawaii in the third quarter and outscored Hawaii 2-1 in the final period, but ultimately fell short in the comeback effort.

Long Beach State travels to No. 1 Stanford and Santa Clara for two road matches next weekend.

No. 20 Long Beach State - 1, 0, 1, 2: 4
No. 6 Hawaii - 3, 1, 1, 1: 6

Goals:
LBSU - Claire Martin, Melissa Matheson, Chelsea Parks, Coriann Snyder
UH - Genee 2, Lewis 2, Lopes de Silva 2

Saves:
LBSU - Kelly Ringel, 4
UH - Reid, 7

No. 20 Long Beach State - 1, 2, 2, 3: 8
No. 19 UC San Diego - 1, 2, 3, 1: 7

Goals:
LBSU - Julie Lantz 2, Chelsea Parks 2, Coriann Snyder 2, Melissa Matheson, Justine Morgan
UCSD - Lizotte 3, Biehle 2, Bartow, Delgado

Saves:
LBSU - Kelly Ringel, 9
UCSD - Taylor, 12