LOS ANGELES, Calif. --- Eighth-ranked UC Irvine played top-ranked USC tough but the Trojans prevailed, 7-4, in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation opener at McDonald's Swim Stadium in Los Angeles Saturday.

Sophomore Mitch Wise scored a game-high three goals for the 'Eaters, 8-4 overall and 0-1 in the MPSF.  Junior Winston Newland scored once and junior Jimmy Friedrich, a transfer from USC, had 14 saves in goal for UCI.  Friedrich earned his degree from USC in three years and is a graduate student at UCI.

USC capitalized on a 3-1 margin in the first quarter in improving to 6-0 overall and 1-0 in the league.

The 'Eaters closed to within 3-2 in the second quarter and 4-3 in the third period, but the Trojans answered both times.

Peter Kurzeka and Stephen Siri led USC with two goals each and goalie Joel Dennerley had six stops.

UCI hosts its annual Alumni game Sunday at noon at Anteater Pool.

The 'Eaters compete in the SoCal Tournament at Long Beach State next weekend, opening against UC Davis Saturday (Oct. 1) at 9:20 a.m. at LBSU's Campus Pool.


UC Irvine    1 – 1 – 1 – 1 --- 4
USC            3 – 1 – 2 – 1 --- 7

UCI:  Mitch Wise 3, Winston Newland.

USC:  Peter Kurzeka 2, Stephen Siri 2, Jeremy Davie, Forest Monroe, Michael Rosenthal.

Saves:  Jimmy Friedrich (UCI) 14, Joel Dennerley (USC) 6.

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