OGDEN, Utah - UC Riverside closed out the Utah portion of its longest road trip of the season on Sunday afternoon with a 1-0 win over Weber State at Wildcat Soccer Field to snap a three-game losing skid. 

Defensive tactics were at the forefront of the first half for both sides, but Jasmine Mendez pulled through with the first shot on net by either side. The freshman went for goal low to the ground off a dangerous corner kick for her first shot on net in the college ranks.

Mendez' chance came off one of UCR's three corner kicks for the half. Defensively in the first 45 minutes, UC Riverside did well to restrain the Weber State offense with just one shot after the WIldcats entered the day with 8.8 shots per game.

Daphne Mendez put UCR in front in the 53rd minute after Weber State's goalkeeper could not corral the bobbling ball, allowing the freshman the easy tap-in for her first collegiate goal. The Highlanders' urgency on the ball shortly after halftime would prove to be the difference in the matinee victory.

Caela Kaio made her first start in net of the season for the Highlanders with three saves. While not having much work on her plate in the first half, the Hawaii native made all three of her stops in the second half to ensure the Highlanders' first clean sheet since October of 2019. 

Kaio consistently foiled Weber State's aggressive plan of leveling the match in the second half, notably coming up big in the 86th minute with an outstretched arm over her left shoulder to keep the lead for UCR. 

UC Riverside's defense allowed just eight shots on the afternoon, the second fewest by a Highlander opponent this season. 

The Highlanders now travel to Cal State Fullerton on Wednesday, September 15 for a 7:00 p.m. midweek matchup with the Titans. Live stats will be available at fullertontitans.com.