CLAREMONT- Ari Statler's second half goal tied it, but Pomona-Pitzer squeezed in a goal with 4:56 left in the second overtime to edge UC Santa Cruz 2-1 in the season opener for both teams.

It took the Sagehens just 1:08 to get on the board when Daniel Tamkin pounced on a UCSC clearance to give the hosts the lead. The Slugs equalized in the 66th minute when the tall Statler headed in a cross from Keith McCarty.

The teams battled on even terms and McCarty had a chance to win it at the end of the first overtime but his rocket was saved by Pomona's keeper.

The Sagehens had a slight 11-10 shot advantage in the contest.

Andrew Pimentel had six saves for UCSC in goal.

The Banana Slugs finish their L.A. trip on Sunday against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.