IRVINE, Calif. --- UCI took the Black and Blue match, 8-5, over Long Beach State to go 5-0 in the Big West for the second year in a row Thursday night at Anteater Aquatics Complex.

UC Irvine (22-6, 5-0) blew out of the gates early with three goals in the first two minutes. Katie Croghan (Yorba Linda / Rosary HS) scored the first on her senior night, and Kelsey Klatt (Fresno / Sunnyside HS) netted a pair to increase the lead. The 49ers (11-15, 1-4) would come back for a pair later in the quarter to make it 3-2.

The second quarter was a battle as neither team would find the back of the net while fouls and exclusion were numerous for each side. Jessy Cardey (Riverside / Poly HS) missed on a penalty shot late, but UCI held the 3-2 lead into the half.

UCI got back on the board with a nifty shot by Danielle Warde (Huntington Beach / Edison HS). Cardey would convert this time on the penalty, and after a 49er goal, Katie Croghan would bury a bullet in for the 6-3 lead after three.

UCI added a pair late including Katie Croghan's third to complete its second straight perfect conference record for the 8-4 win.

UCI finishes on top of the Big West and holds the No. 1 seed for the tournament to be held at UC Davis. Its first match will be Sat. Apr. 28th at 2:30 against the winner of the No. 4/No. 5 game between Long Beach State and Cal State Northridge.

 

	1	2	3	4	F
Long Beach State	2	0	1	2	5
UC IRVINE	3	0	3	2	8

UCI goals (season total): Katie Croghan - 3 (34), Kelsey Klatt - 2 (29), Danielle Warde - 1 (35), Jessy Cardey - 1 (59), Hannah Croghan - 1 (46)

LBSU goals: Coriann Snyder - 2, Justine Morgan - 1, Chelsea Parks - 1, Julie Lantz - 1

UCI saves (season total): Kate Avetoom - 3 (110), Jillian Yocum - 3 (146)

LBSU saves: Kelly Ringel - 7

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