IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine women's soccer fought back with a big second half to win the season opener, 2-1, in Anteater Stadium over Saint Mary's.

UC IRVINE 2, SAINT MARY'S 1

• The visiting Gaels got on the board first taking advantage of an Anteater defensive error to go up 1-0 in the 11th minute by Briana Salvetti
• UCI evened the score in the 53rd minute with Erin Covey and Alyssa Moore teaming up to feed Emilie Castagna on the doorstep to punch home the equalizer, 1-1
• The go-ahead strike came in the 72nd minute with Alyssa Moore launching a shot off the far post that fell right to Mirayah Villalpando to send it back home, 2-1
• Villalpando's goal was the first goal and point of her career in just her third career match.
• Moore earned an assist on both goals for her second career two-assist match
• Glo Hinojosa celebrated her 50th career match played with win 28 as an Anteater
• Triumphant returns for an Anteater duo - Chloe Ragon and Mihaela Perez. Both players missed the 2022 season recovering from injuries.

 

A look at Mirayah Villalpando's first career goal to give the 'Eaters the lead in the 72nd minute ??#TogetherWeZot #RipEm #STRONGWomen pic.twitter.com/y0SgNvuuWV

— UCI Women's Soccer (@UCIwsoc) August 18, 2023

 

Mirayah Villalpando, tell us how you're feeling ?? #RipEm pic.twitter.com/GuBAtxylrd

— UCI Women's Soccer (@UCIwsoc) August 18, 2023

The 'Eaters start the year 1-0-0 winning the opener for a second straight season. Saint Mary's drops to 0-1-0 on the year.

Up next for the Anteaters is a home date Sunday, August 20, kicking off a 3:00 p.m. with the 2022 Pac-12 champions Stanford Cardinal making their first appearance at Anteater Stadium since 1988.