IRVINE, Calif. - The University of California Riverside (UCR) Highlanders traveled to nearby Irvine to play Big West foes University of California Irvine (UCI) for their fourth conference match of the 2021 slate. Earlier this week, the Highlanders squared off against Long Beach State and played two overtime periods to a scoreless draw.

UC Riverside came out aggressive, hoping Thursday's tie would turn the tide after finding themselves in a three-game losing streak. The Highlanders got four shots off in the first fifteen minutes of the match, before the Eaters even saw an opportunity to target the net. 

UC Irvine dominated the following twenty minutes, getting off five shots and preventing UCR from making another attempt in the half until the 44th minute, when Katie Wong took a shot low center that was saved by the Eaters' keeper.

The Anteaters scored a pair of goals in the 59th and 66th minute, amidst a flurry of attempts by Highlanders. UCR made six attempts on goal in the second half. Besides their two goals, the Anteaters found just one other opportunity to take a shot.

The Highlanders wouldn't be able to overcome the two Eater goals however, and the win went to UC Irvine, 2-0.

Jessica Tamayo led UCR in shots, with three attempts, followed by Natza Marin and Akari Shimizu who each took two shots. Shimizu was two for two, with both shots landing on target.

Goalkeeper Caela Kaio had four saves in the match, and got her first shot of the season off in the 89th minute.

UC Riverside returns to the Inland Empire to host the Rainbow Wahine of the University of Hawai'i on Thursday, October 7 at 7:30 PM.