IRVINE, Calif. – The top-seeded UC Irvine women's soccer team defeated No. 2 Cal Poly, 1-0, to claim the Big West Tournament title Sunday afternoon at Anteater Stadium.
 
Alex Jaquez scored the game-winner in the 32nd minute, while the 'Eaters registered their fourth-straight shutout. Chasing the equalizer, the Mustangs put the pressure on late with six of their 10 shots coming in the final 20 minutes, but goalkeeper Glo Hinojosa and the UCI defense held strong, extending their scoreless streak to 433:03.
 
"We were expecting a really tough game from Cal Poly; they've had an incredible season and I think the one vs. two seed in the final was fitting," said UC Irvine head coach Scott Juniper. "It was not the prettiest game we've played, but it was the most competitive game we've had to play from start to finish. I'm super proud of our squad for how they played, particularly how they played in that last 20 to 25 minutes when I just thought they were warriors. I'm really excited for everything they've achieved this season, and I'm excited for our next game."
 
The Anteaters, who are set to make their third NCAA Tournament appearance, await their next opponent with the selection show taking place Monday, Nov. 8, at 1:30 p.m. (PST). It will be streamed live on NCAA.com.
 
FINDING A WAY
UC Irvine (15-5-0) had most of the early opportunities, including three good looks in a 20-second span. Scarlett Camberos started the stretch, taking a Chloe Ragon pass down the right side of the pitch and all the way into the box where Cal Poly keeper Mackenzie Samuel made a sliding stop. Camberos collected the rebound and tapped it to Alyssa Moore, whose shot was blocked. The ball came right back to Moore's left foot, but her second try was saved by Samuel.
 
The Anteaters continued to put the pressure on and broke through at the 31:12 mark. A long throw-in from Amber Huff made its way into the box, and the Mustangs got a foot on it, but the clearance went right to Alex Jaquez, who from about 20 yards out delivered a beautiful shot to the upper right corner. It was her first goal of the season, making her the 14th different 'Eater to find the back of the net.
 
"The ball was coming, it was bouncing, and in my head, I said just keep it low, and it went in," Jaquez said about the scoring play. "The whole season, my goal has been to at least score one goal, and it was nice to get it in this game."
 
UCI dominated possession in the first half as it not only held the 1-0 lead, but also the advantage in shots (8-2), shots on goal (5-0) and corner kicks (2-0).
 

You're going to want to look at this one again ?? ?? ?? #RipEm pic.twitter.com/fPNSAEZL2b

— UCI Women's Soccer (@UCIwsoc) November 7, 2021

     
 
HOLDING STEADY
Cal Poly (13-8-0) came out swinging in the second half as it was looking to keep its season alive. The Mustangs totaled eight second-half shots, but the UC Irvine defense was up to the challenge. Hinojosa made two solid saves, while Jaquez also cleared an attempt from Kate Reedy off the line in the 61st minute. The Anteaters continued to withstand the pressure, closing out their ninth shutout of the season.
 
FINAL SCORE: UC IRVINE 1, CAL POLY 0
With the 1-0 victory over Cal Poly, UC Irvine claimed its second Big West Tournament title in program history, and first since 1997, when the Anteaters also defeated the Mustangs in the final. The 'Eaters will enter their third NCAA Tournament in program history (2010, 2011) on a six-match winning streak.
 
UCI improved to 12-2 against Big West opponents in 2021. This marked the fourth time this season the Anteaters earned their second win over a conference foe as they also topped UC Santa Barbara in postseason play, and Cal State Fullerton and CSUN in non-conference action.
 
Maddy Chavez, who anchored the UC Irvine defense in the team's two shutout victories, was named the Big West Tournament MVP.