LOS ANGELES, Calif. --- No. 6 UC Irvine was bested in a defensive struggle by No. 3 UCLA, 9-6, Friday night at Spieker Aquatics Center.
UCLA (13-1) jumped out early with two goals before Kelsey Klatt converted midway through the first period. Taylor Morrison would close the gap scoring with five seconds to go in the period as UCI (7-4) trailed 3-2 after one.
Jillian Yocum came up with a huge save on a breakaway early in the second to keep the Bruins at bay. UCI would then score on the ensuing power play possession thanks to Hillary Estrada. Both defenses were stout throughout the quarter, but Cambria Shockley broke the tie with a howlitzer from the point that barred in to give UCI a brief lead. UCLA came down and tied it back up with a putback after Yocum blocked the initial attempt, and the match would remain locked 4-4 at the half.
UCI took the lead back in the third period thanks to Estrada. Gisselle Naranjo would strike for the second time with a perfect shot to lock it back up at 5-5. Both defenses held once again, UCI had the best opportunity with less than a minute, but Hannah Croghan couldn't get control it right in front of the cage, and UCLA would take a 6-5 lead in the fourth.
UCLA took advantage of UCI miscues in the fourth quarter to extend the lead and finish with the 9-6 victory.
UC Irvine will host its annual invitational next spanning two entire days Saturday February 23rd and Sunday the 24th between Anteater Aquatics Complex and Corona del Mar High School. The first match at each pool is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Saturday with UCI playing at 12:45 p.m. against UC Davis.
#3 UCLA 9, #6 UC IRVINE 6
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1
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2
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3
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4
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F
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UCI
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2
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2
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1
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1
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6
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UCLA
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3
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9
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UCI goals: Hillary Estrada (3), Kelsey Klatt, Taylor Morrison, Cambria Shockley
UCLA goals: Emily Donohoe (2), Gisselle Naranjo (2), Rachel Fattal (2), Becca Dorst, Victoria Kemp, Kodi Hill
Saves: Jillian Yocum (UCI) – 8; Sami Hill (UCLA) – 7
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