March 2, 2013
SAN DIEGO - Sixth-ranked San Diego State was upset by No. 7 UC Irvine, 6-5, on a sunny and warm Saturday afternoon at Aztec Aquaplex. With its Big West-opening loss, SDSU falls to 10-6 (0-1 Big West), while the Anteaters improve to 10-6 (1-0 Big West).
Meeting for the third time in seven games, the Aztecs fell behind early as UCI received goals from Hannah Croghan and Cambria Shockley in the first quarter. SDSU, on the other hand, was unable to generate any offense and was held off the scoreboard.
San Diego State made its run in the second quarter and it started with Emily Whalen's nine-meter shot that found the upper left corner. The Anteaters, however, responded with goals from Kelsey Klatt and Michaela Pierandozzi to extend their lead to 4-1. Then with a minute to play in the first half, UCI goalkeeper Jillian Yocum had trouble handling the ball in front of the cage and Amber Pezzolla tipped it into the net for her first of the day. Trailing by two and with time ticking off the clock, Anique Hermann brought the Aztecs to within one as her shot with one second left rattled the cage.
Facing a one-goal deficit, SDSU leveled the score at 4-4 when Pezzolla cashed in her penalty shot with 6:15 left in the third. The Aztecs were unable to move ahead in the period and allowed one UCI goal to enter the final eight minutes down, 5-4.
UC Irvine padded its lead with 5:32 to play when Croghan netted her third goal of the afternoon, but Tori Long gave the Aztecs life with her goal with under four minutes to play. SDSU had its chances late in the game to tie the score, but was unable to find the equalizer.
Pezzolla led the Aztecs with two goals and Whalen, Hermann and Long each scored once. Rachel Mitchell, meanwhile, turned in 10 saves.
San Diego State returns to action on Thursday when it plays host to the Brazilian Junior National Team in an exhibition contest at Aztec Aquaplex. First sprint is set for 3 p.m. PT.
No. 7 UC Irvine 6, No. 6 San Diego State 5
Aztec Aquaplex - San Diego, Calif.
UCI 2-2-1-1--6
SDSU 0-3-1-1--5
UCI goals: Hannah Croghan 3, Cambria Shockley, Kelsey Klatt, Michaela Pierandozzi
SDSU goals: Amber Pezzolla 2, Emily Whalen, Anique Hermann, Tori Long
UCI saves: Jillian Yocum - unavailable
SDSU saves: Rachel Mitchell - 10