SEASIDE – Nine different players scored at least one goal on the road as UCSB (1-0) defeated Cal State Monterey Bay (0-1), 14-8, in a non-conference game on Thursday afternoon.
Monterey Bay jumped out to a 1-0 lead with a goal from senior Chloe McRae just 30 seconds into the game. The Gauchos went to work and answered with two goals themselves to take the lead, 2-1.
UCSB finished the first period with a one-goal lead, 3-2.
The Gauchos maintained their lead as each team traded goals, but Monterey Bay couldn’t keep up when UCSB knocked in four straight goals with time winding down in the second period. The Otters scored the last goal of the half, but UCSB took an 8-4 lead into halftime.
Junior Nikki Smart scored back-to-back goals for Monterey Bay to bring the game within two, 8-6. UCSB still had 4:26 remaining in the third quarter, however, which allowed them to notch four goals and end the period with the 12-6 lead.
Both teams exchanged two goals in the fourth period and the Gauchos recorded their first win of the season, 14-8.
Senior Kathryn Nelson wasted no time in starting the season off strong and recorded three goals in the game. Also tallying multiple goals were freshman Molly Hafferkamp, sophomore Kacey Creek and senior Kristin Kulakowski, who had two goals apiece.
Also getting in on the action for UCSB was Kilee Dreyer, Christie Clark, Bryce Winton, Rachel Nelson and Emily Malin, who scored one goal each in the game.
For the Otters, Chloe McRae and Nikki Smart each notched hat tricks in their home opener. Senior Tanya Mullen and junior Sarah Chafi contributed a goal each.
A final score of 14-8 may not seem like a defensive game, but according to UCSB assistant coach, Cathy Neushul, “the team played excellent team defense and Kathryn Nelson dominated the center of the pool and all the opponents who entered it.”
UCSB will continue its road trip as it travels north to face Cal State East Bay at Pioneer Pool on Friday, Jan. 21. The action begins at 4 p.m.
UCSB 14, Cal State Monterey Bay 8
UCSB 3 5 4 2 — 14
CSUMB 2 2 2 2 — 8
UCSB Goals: Kathryn Nelson 3, Molly Hafferkamp 2, Kristin Kulakowski 2, Kacey Creek 2, Kilee Dreyer 1, Christie Clark 1, Bryce Winton 1, Rachel Nelson 1, Emily Malin 1
CSUMB Goals: Chloe McRae 3, Nikki Smart 3, Tanya Mullen 1, Sarah Chafi 1
UCSB Saves: Ruth Milne 6, Chelsea Carrillo 2
