NORTHRIDGE, Calif. --- A furious rally late in the second half tried to save UC Irvine's season, but Cal State Fullerton held on for the 2-1 victory Thursday night in the Big West Tournament Semifinal at Matador Soccer Field.

The 'Eaters (10-6-4, 5-2-1) had a sluggish start to the first half failing to retain possession and not getting a shot off until right up against the halftime whistle. Cal State Fullerton was able to capitalize in the 31st minute as a defensive clearance was picked up and driven on by Jessica Simonian. The ball was fed back into the box, and Kaycee Hoover got some space and slotted home the opening score to make it 1-0.

The sides emerged from halftime each on the attack, and the Titans were the ones able to punch across the all-important second goal. Multiple chances were turned away until a clearance dropped to Maribell Morales about 30 yards out, and her punt fluttered toward the right post and fell across the line off keeper Maddie Newsom's gloves to extended the CSF lead to 2-0 in the 56th minute.

UC Irvine charged forward for multiple chances down the stretch, but couldn't get a quality chance on frame. Grayson Galbraith put a goal home in the 76th minute, but not before UCI was called offside. Finally, a breakthrough in the 83rd minute as the 'Eaters broke the press along the sideline, and Kiana Palacios found Sydney Carr who challenged down the right wing and into the box cutting across and snapping home a left-footed strike to make it a one-goal game at 2-1.

The Titans successfully salted the clock away nearly all of the remaining time as UCI could only get one more rush in the final 25 seconds, but nothing connected as Cal State Fullerton wrapped up the victory, 2-1.

Big West Midfielder of the Year Kiana Palacios linked up with Big West Freshman of the Year Sydney Carr on the goal, her fourth of the season. Maddie Newsom made two saves in net while Titan keeper Morgan Bertsch needed just one save.

Senior Andrea Mensen gave her heart to the match fighting through an injury to try and hold back a potent Titan offense.

"As a whole, the season was great," cited senior center back Andrea Mensen. "We took the regular season championship, something we hadn't done here in a while, Unfortunately, we couldn't get a tournament title, but overall this season has been a great experience."

The loss stops the championship run in the semifinals with a final record of 10-6-4 for Big West Coach of the Year Scott Juniper and the crew.

"I thought we played really, really well. Full credit to Fullerton, they came out and played a high tempo, they really set the tone. I thought it was two really good teams out there playing good soccer, connecting balls and passes, but unlike Sunday, tonight we just didn't come out on the right side of it."