Wild Big West Final Ends in 9-8 Overtime Loss

MANOA, Hawai'i --- An absurd Big West Championship match did not go UC Irvine's way falling, 10-9, in overtime to Hawai'i Sunday night at Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex in Hawai'i.

The Rainbow Wahine (18-8, 3-2) dealt the crushing blow with 10 seconds to go in the second overtime period via Caity Lopes Da Silva's third goal of the match putting Hawai'i up for good. Mary Brooks' last gasp effort went wide sealing UCI's fate.

Brooks kept the 'Eaters afloat numerous times in the match, notably at the buzzer in the first overtime period slamming home a powerplay goal to tie the match at 8-8 after the Rainbow Wahine had taken the lead with 25 seconds remaining in the period.

She did the same to close out the third period bringing UCI (19-8, 4-1) all the way back from a three-goal deficit to enter the final period tied, 5-5.

Hawai'i put up a strong effort in the first half that gave it a 3-0 lead until Natalie Seidemann's goal with 1:40 left in the half, and eventually a 4-1 lead at the halfway point.

Brooks' third-quarter strike came to be after goals from Emily Carlson, Hanna Lancaster, and Danielle Warde all within three minutes of each other erased the deficit and put the squads all even.

Her tally also came six seconds after Claire Nixon grabbed the lead back for Hawai'i with 11 seconds left in the third period.

The end of regulation might have been the most dramatic of all. With the 'Eaters leading 6-5, Gabi Mantellato Dias converted a penalty shot to tie the match with 1:37 left. Back again was Carlson, who played a big factor in the match, to snag the lead back with just 1:07 remaining. Lopes da Silva gave the Rainbow Wahine life with 38 seconds left in the regulation to set the overtime wheels in motion.

She figured to be the tournament MVP with her three goals all in timely situations. Mantellato Dias joined her with three to lead all scorers. UCI's scores came from Brooks, Warde, and Carlson all with two apiece.

Both goalkeepers played their game as Jillian Yocum turned away nine shots while Sarah Logan made 10 saves on her end.

The next step for the Anteaters is the NCAA Selection Show that airs online at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Apr. 27 on NCAA.com. UC Irvine is among the contenders to earn one of the four at-large bids to the tournament.

(3) HAWAI'I 9, (1) UC IRVINE 8
UCI (19-8, 4-1) | UH (18-8, 3-2)

April 26, 2015
Manoa, Hawai'I – Big West Final

 

1

2

3

4

OT1

OT2

F

UCI

0

1

4

2

1

0

8

UH

2

2

1

2

1

1

9

 

UCI goals: Mary Brooks (2), Danielle Warde (2), Emily Carlson (2), Natalie Seidemann, Hanna Lancaster

UH goals: Caity Lopes da Silva (3), Gabi Mantellato Dias (3), Claire Nixon (2), Chloe Barr

Saves: Jillian Yocum (UCI) – 9; Sarah Logan (UH) – 10 

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