It was the Highlanders’ (1-0-1) Dani Geiger who threaded a pass to Linda Allen in the Hornets’ penalty area during the ninth minute Allen then placed her shot far post and low in the corner for the score. In the 21st minute a similar play developed when Kelly Ferguson linked with Renee Scachetti and Scachetti struck low and in the corner.

Minutes later Scachetti was again involved in the action when her initial shot during the 27th minute was deflected by Sacramento State freshman goalkeeper Jenny Lawrence. Alertly, Jenna Loenti was in front of the goal to pounce on the rebound for the Highlanders’ third score.

Sacramento State, now 1-1, had an early opportunity in the match when sophomore Rebeccah Phillips unleashed a shot that hit the crossbar.

In the second half, freshman Sarah Howard scored what looked to be the Hornets’ first goal of the match, but the score was called back on a foul. In the last two minutes of the match senior Courtney Gorham also created a dangerous opportunity, when her cross found junior Kaycee Fontes, but UC Riverside goalkeeper Brittany Goetz made the save to preserve the shutout.

Goetz came on in the final three minutes of the match after Tawny Poggio made a game-high seven saves. Junior midfielder Maggie Murphy caused most of the trouble for Poggio, with her team-leading three shots on goal.

Lawrence made three saves for the Hornets, while Phillips finished with two shots. Sacramento State outshot UC Riverside 10-9, including a 5-3 advantage in the second half as the team retained better possession.

Sacramento State will hit the road for its next game, playing at Nevada on Friday evening before returning to Hornet Field for a 1 p.m. match with Fresno State.