Box Score SANTA CRUZ - Goals from Abby Schmalz and Joelle Steichen in the first five minutes of the second half led UC Santa Cruz to a 2-1 comeback win over Sierra Nevada College Thursday afternoon on Senior Day.
UCSC, who bid farewell to nine seniors, ended the regular season 5-12-1.
Sierra Nevada (4-12) scored first when Annie Clements got on the end of a cross and poked it home in the 15th minute.
The Banana Slugs quickened the pace and Cayce Shaw almost equalized just before half-time, but one of her shots was saved and another was blocked out for a corner, and the visiting Eagles went into the half up by 1.
The Banana Slugs didn't let up after the break, and tied it 0:47 into the half when Abby Schmalz found herself one-one-one after a UCSC corner and slotted it past the keeper to tie the game,
UCSC took the lead less than four minutes later when Carly Cooper's cross went over the Sierra Nevada keeper and left Steichen with essentially an open net for the game-winning goal.
The game was even the final 40 minutes but UCSC was able to hold on to the lead for their second consecutive victory at home.
It was final home game for seniors Steichen, Shaw, Alex Arce, Kayla McCord, Emma Wilson, Katie Schinnerer, Gaby Powell, Sierra Reith and Olivia Stewart.
"Our seniors really came out to play for team today," said head coach Lauren Nadler. "It was great to see everything they've contributed in the past four years come out in this game.
"We are appreciative of everything they've given to the program the last four years."
UCSC finished with a 17-11 shot advantage and a 6-3 edge in corners.
Malia Starita finished with 5 saves on the day.
