From LBSU reports

Despite a two-goal rally late in the game, the ‘Niners couldn’t overcome UCI’s three-goal lead in a 6-5 loss in the LBSU campus pool yesterday evening.

UC Irvine started the game with a Julia Fancher goal on the first possession, and took a 2-0 lead after the first period. Both teams continued strong defensive play, each scoring a goal in the second period as the teams went to halftime with a 3-1 score.

The Anteaters again scored in the first possession of the half, taking a 4-1 lead. The 49ers began to make a move at that point with Sieprath’s first goal at 5:32, and then a breakaway by Krizia Cerda led to another Sieprath goal with two minutes left in the third, cutting the lead to one.

UC Irvine extended the lead back to three with Caitlin Haskell and Kat Plummer goals, but Long Beach State rallied again late, scoring on a Branwyn Lee breakaway and a 6-on-5 goal by Kelsie Emerick. A last chance was turned away by Morgan Vickers in the closing seconds, and the Anteaters held on to the win.

Kristen Stragier finished with 15 saves for Long Beach State in goal, while Vickers had nine. Lauren Sieprath scored two goals to lead the 49ers.

The 49ers return to action this Saturday, facing UC Santa Barbara in the team’s final Big West match prior to the tournament. The team will then honor its two seniors prior to their final match of the year when they host USC on Sunday, April 19. Both matches begin at Noon.

Score By Period

UCI – 2, 1, 2, 1

LBSU – 0, 1, 2, 2