IU wins 3, loses 1 in San Diego

The Hoosiers traveled to San Diego beginning with play on Saturday against No. 15 UC-Irvine, in a match that featured another come-from behind victory by IU coach Barry King's squad.\nUCI jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first half but IU matched them at three a piece right before the break. \nIn the second half, the match seesawed back and forth until the final minute of play when freshman Kristin Zernicke netted the game winning goal off an assist from fellow freshman Janis Pardy.\nSaturday afternoon the Hoosiers battled No. 4 Long Beach State. IU stayed in the match throughout most of the first half and third period, and was down only two goals with one period left to play. Unfortunately, LBSU came out with more intensity in the last period of play, scoring three times while holding IU scoreless for a final of 9-4.\nThe Hoosiers were led on offense by junior Krista Peterson with two goals for the match. Defensively, junior Jessica Goldner was 9 for 20 on save opportunities at goal.\nAfter splitting the first two matches in San Diego, the Hoosiers came out with much more energy against UC-San Diego and UC-Santa Barbara Sunday afternoon. IU dominated the match against UCSD, who they beat for the second time this year. IU held UCSD scoreless until the mid-point of the third quarter. \nAfter two more IU goals in the third period, the game ended in an 8-1 final score. \nSenior Melissa Pietras and Peterson scored three goals a piece, leading IU on the offensive end. Goldner was once again impressive at goal, with another nine save performance, including three saves against a 6-5 advantage.\nPlay wrapped up late Sunday night, when IU faced No. 11 UCSB. The Hoosiers were sure to stage another comeback as it has been a reoccurring theme early this season. With less than five minutes left, IU was down a goal until Pietras knotted the match up at six. Peterson then gave the Hoosiers the final margin they needed as she scored the game winning goal with 1:46 left in the match.\nThe Hoosiers finished up the weekend at 3-1 in San Diego, improving to 5-2 on the season. IU will now be out of action until Feb. 28, when they will travel to Pennsylvania to play in the Bucknell Invitational.