Long Beach State mounted a furious rally to take a 7-6 win over Pacific in the final game of the year for both teams. Lauren Sieprath scored five goals for Long Beach State.

Pacific, playing at home in the final game of the year for both teams, came out very inspired in the first period. Dara Tawarahara scored the first two goals for Pacific, and the Tigers took a 5-0 after just six minutes of play.

Lauren Sieprath got the 49er comeback started with 3:09 left in the second period, finally getting Long Beach State on the board. That started a quick run as the 49ers pulled back into the game before the half. Sieprath scored again on a fast-break, and then the team netted two goals in the final minute to pull back the Pacific lead to one at 5-4.

Down just one to start the second half after trailing by five, a Long Beach State penalty led to another Tawarahara goal to put Pacific up 6-4.

That would be the last goal for Pacific, as Long Beach State completed the comeback to take the win. Sieprath scored again in the fourth to cut the lead back to one heading to the fourth quarter.

Sieprath’s fifth and final goal tied the game with 3:57 remaining, and Kelsie Emerick’s game-winner with 2:11 to play gave the 49ers their first lead of the game, as Long Beach State’s amazing concluded with the win.

The 49ers finish the year with a record of 9-19, but will remain ranked, a testament to the team’s tough schedule in 2009.

Scoring by Quarter:
Long Beach State: 0 – 4 – 1 – 2 = 7
Pacific: 5 – 0 – 1 – 0 = 6

Long Beach State Goals: Lauren Sieprath (5), Branwyn Lee (1) Kelsie Emerick (1)
Pacific Goals: Dara Tawarahara (3), Bridget Geck (1), Bethany Quertermous (1), Allison Kosich (1)

Long Beach State Saves: Kristen Stragier (4 saves)
Pacific Saves: Lindsey Pengilly (10 saves)

Report By LBSU