NORTHRIDGE — In a battle of first place teams in the Big West, No. 16 Cal State Northridge edged UCSB 8-7 at Matador Pool.
Claire Buchanan notched two goals for the Gauchos as they took the 3-2 lead with just over a minute left in the first period.
In the second quarter, the Matadors (19-10, 3-0) stole the momentum and held UCSB scoreless, while scoring two goals of their own.
In the third and fourth periods, the Gauchos’ Bryce Winton recorded three goals in seven minutes. Yet it was too late as their comeback fell short.
UCSB falls to 19-9 overall and 2-1 in the Big West.
UCSB also played Cal Baptist on Sunday in a nonconference game.
Goals by Kathryn Nelson and Nancy Ruano in the fourth quarter gave UCSB a 9-7 lead with 2:43 to play, but the Lancers would rally and tie the game at nine with just over one minute left.
Before the game could finish UCSB was forced to forfeit as coach Wolf Wigo was given a red card with 29 seconds left in the game. Officially the Lancers earned a 5-0 victory.
Goalkeeper Ruth Milne was a bright spot among the two losses as she totaled 17 saves in the two games. Winton also posted an impressive weekend totaling four goals which ties her with Buchanan for the team lead.
