LONG BEACH, Calif. --- UC Irvine and Long Beach State started Big West play by rekindling the Black and Blue Rivalry series to the tune of a 0-0 draw Friday night at George Allen Field.

UCI (8-4-1, 0-0-1) made all the right moves early putting up four of the six first half shots including one on target out of the gate from Sammie James.

The match stayed level through the half, and Long Beach State (4-5-2, 0-0-1) perked up with seven of the eight second half shots and four corners. The match remained scoreless thanks to two saves for each keeper, and needed overtime.

The 49ers held most of the possession in each period firing the only shots that both were on frame, but Maddie Newsom was up to the task as part of her four saves on the night and fifth shutout of the year as the match ended up 0-0.

UCI finished with five shots, two on target that Ashton McKeown handled. LBSU earned all eight of the match's corner kicks while fouls and cards remained relatively even.

The draw marks five straight at Long Beach that the 'Eaters are unbeaten, 2-0-3. They also came away with a point to open Big West play, and continue it into the weekend with a trip to UC Riverside Sat. Oct. 2 with a 6:00 p.m. start.

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