IRVINE, Calif. --- The Anteaters hung in there for almost three quarters before the top-ranked Trojans put the game away dropping UCI, 11-3, Saturday afternoon at Anteater Aquatics Complex.
USC (20-0, 4-0) jumped out early with a goal on its first possession. UCI's defense would slow them a bit, but USC eventually increased the lead to 3-0 thanks to a pair of goals from Hannah Buckling.
UCI (15-8, 3-1) would fight back and get on the board before the end of the period as Layne Kipp found Hillary Estrada who would put it away while falling away from the cage.
The 'Eaters charged out of the second period gate as well scoring twice to tie the match at 3-3. The Trojans would quickly gain the lead back and expand it to 6-3 at the half.
UC Irvine would impose its tough defense allowing just one score in the third period. Unfortunately, the 'Eaters were held scoreless from that point on giving USC its 20th win of the season.
Centers Michaela Pierandozzi and McKenna Mitchell joined Estrada in the scoring column. Buckling would lead all scorers with three.
Estrada added an assist along with two field blocks. Seniors Devin Crothers and Layne Kipp were factors with Crothers blocking two shots and Kipp assisting on two of the goals. Despite missing on all eight of her shots, Hannah Croghan still earned three steals.
Jillian Yocum stopped seven shots on the afternoon had three steals. Trojan keeper Flora Bolonyai had five saves.
UCI returns to the pool on Sunday, April 6th as it hosts Cal State Northridge at 12:00 p.m. in another crucial Big West match.
#1 USC 11, #7 UC IRVINE 3
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UCI goals: Hillary Estrada, Michaela Pierandozzi, McKenna Mitchell
USC goals: Hannah Buckling (3), Kaleigh Gilchrist (2), Colleen O'Donnell, Monica Vavic, Dominique Sardo, Constance Hiller, Chelsea Silvers, Eike Daube
Saves: UCI: Jillian Yocum (7); USC: Flora Bolonyai (5)
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