The UC Irvine Women’s Soccer team (7-5-6, 3-2-5) clinched the final spot in the Big West Conference Tournament with a 4-1 victory over the University of Hawai’i (6-6-3, 3-4-3) at Anteater Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 27.
The Anteaters came into the match following a 0-2 defeat at Cal Poly on Sunday, Oct. 23, making this match a must-win game to keep their season alive. However, the team was quickly shocked by a Hawai’i goal just five minutes into the match by senior midfielder Eliza Ammendolia, putting the Rainbow Wahine ahead 1-0.
A minute later, the Rainbow Wahine lost their starting goalkeeper, graduate student Lauren Marquez, due to injury. Freshman goalkeeper Brianna Chirpich came into the game to take her place, making her first collegiate appearance. She was immediately tested, recording a save within her first three minutes of action.
The Anteaters were determined not to let their early struggles derail their season. With a spot in the conference tournament on the line, the ‘Eaters amped up the pressure in the first half, outshooting the Rainbow Wahine 19-3 in the first 45 minutes.
UCI finally caught a break 39 minutes into the action when junior forward Erin Covey put in the equalizer following a long throw-in from redshirt sophomore forward Alyssa Moore.
Immediately following the goal, the Anteaters found themselves on the attack again. Moore controlled the ball off a long clearance and with a powerful strike from her right foot, gave UCI a 2-1 advantage.
The Anteaters continued to push forward into the second half, but it wasn’t until the 79th minute where they finally put the dagger into the Rainbow Wahine. With just 11 minutes remaining in the game, senior midfielder Amber Huff played a cross into the box, finding sophomore forward Sophie Gillies for the go ahead goal and putting the ‘Eaters up 3-1.
However, the Anteaters weren’t done. Following another cross by Huff into the box, redshirt junior forward Lilli Rask connected with a chip shot off her right foot just over the outstretched hands of Chirpich into the back of the net. The goal increased the Anteater lead to 4-1, and it was enough to hold off the Rainbow Wahine and take the victory.
The ‘Eaters were able to dominate the Rainbow Wahine on all levels, outshooting them 26-7 throughout the match. The win secured the Anteaters the final spot in the Big West Tournament.
James Huston is a Sports Co-Editor for the 2022-23 school year. He can be reached at hustonj@uci.edu