‘Eaters sit atop Big West

LOGAN, Utah -- Sophomore goalkeeper Chelsea McCarthy collected

five saves to record her first career shutout and junior midfielder

Caroline Kabe converted a penalty kick in the 43rd minute to propel

visiting UC Irvine to a 1-0 Big West Conference triumph over Utah

State Sunday.

The victory was the second of the weekend for the Anteaters, who

come away from their first two conference contests with a 5-5 record,

2-0 in the Big West. UCI knocked off host Idaho, 2-1, Friday.

Kabe’s goal was her second penalty kick conversion of the weekend

and third of the season to back McCarthy’s strong defensive

performance.

Coach Marine Cano’s Anteaters outshot the Aggies, 9-5.

UCI will try to extend its two-game winning streak Thursday night,

when it meets nonconference host Loyola Marymount.

The Anteaters return to Big West action Sunday at Long Beach

State.