LA VERNE, Calif. --- UC Irvine capitalized on second-quarter scoring and defense in defeating Whittier College, 8-4, at the Inland Empire Classic in La Verne Sunday.

Jack Trush scored three goals to record a seven-goal day for the Anteaters, who outscored the Poets, 3-0, in the second quarter to gain control of the game.

The contest was tied 2-2 after the opening period before Ian Fleenor's goal with 6:31 left in the second pushed the 'Eaters ahead for good at 3-2, followed by goals from Bryant Joudrie and Thomas Vandiver to give UCI a 5-2 halftime lead.

After Whittier pulled within 5-3 early in the third quarter, back-to-back goals by Christian Macias and Trush 49 seconds apart boosted the Anteaters' lead to 7-3.

The Poets (5-2) scored late in the third period before Trush added his third goal with 2:03 left in the game for the final 8-4 margin.

Matej Matijevic had 18 saves in goal for UCI (3-2), which opens its home schedule Thursday night hosting Concordia University at 7:00 at the Anteater Aquatics Complex.


Whittier            2-0-2-0 --- 4
UC Irvine          2-3-2-1 --- 8

W:  Massimiliano Mirarchi 2, Mihailo Vuja, Marko Miocic.

UCI:  Jack Trush 3, Ryan Warde, Bryant Joudrie, Ian Fleenor, Thomas Vandiver, Christian Macias.

Saves:  Riley Bloom (W) 6;  Matej Matijevic (UCI) 18.

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