Nov. 4, 2005

FULLERTON, CA - UC Riverside's Melina Triantos netted the shootout game-winner as the Highlanders defeated Long Beach State, 4-2, on penalty kicks after the two teams played to a 0-0 draw in the first semifinal of the 2005 Big West Conference Women's Soccer Tournament on Friday night at Titan Stadium.

UCR improved to 11-3-5 overall and advances to face either Cal State Fullerton or Pacific in the championship match on Sunday (Nov. 6) at 1 p.m. at Titan Stadium.

Long Beach State ended its season at 12-5-3 overall.

For the second time in 2005, the Highlanders and 49ers could not find the back of the net after 110 minutes of play. However, UCR capitalized on its chances in the shootout as junior goalkeeper Tawny Poggio saved the first 49ers attempt and watched a second shot go wide right to set the tone.

Kim Silos and Erin Empting made their final attempts for Long Beach State, however, the Highlanders were perfect on all four of their attempts by Linda Allen, Renee Scachetti, Amber Plumlee, and Triantos.

Long Beach State outshot UC Riverside, 12-7, but the Highlanders played the more aggressive match, whistled for 11 fouls to the 49ers' 1.