Cal State Fullerton sophomore Nikki McCants scored twice, including the go-ahead score in the 77th minute, and junior Brisa Gonzalez added a late tally on Sunday night as the Titans roared back for a 3-1 victory over visiting Long Island in front of 770 fans at Titan Stadium.

The win moved Fullerton to 1-0-1 overall on the season, snapping a four-match winless streak dating back to last year, while the Blackbirds (0-1) lost their season opener and the first of their three-match California roadtrip to start the 2011 campaign.

McCants, who had scored her first goal of the year in the 14th minute off a LIU turnover in the penalty area, answered Ariana Calderon's equalizer for the Blackbirds with just under 13 minutes to play as sophomore Summer Chavez controlled the ball deep in Long Island's defensive half, and punched a short cross into the box, where McCants beat her defender with a header to the left post to make it 2-1.

Calderon had tied the match in the 67th minute for Long Island as the Fullerton keeper came out to challenge a loose ball at the top of the box, but was caught out of position as Calderon fought past two defenders and shot to the empty net to make it 1-1.

Four minutes later, Gonzalez took control off a clear that was tipped at the top of the box by teammate Ann Marie Tangorra, took one dribble, and fired it home for her first of the year and the final 3-1 score.

McCants, who finished with two goals during her entire 2010 freshman season, led all players with five shots and helped the Titans to a 17-6 advantage in that category on the night. Ten different Fullerton players logged at least one shot while Ruby Leon led Long Island with two of the team's six shots.

Sophomore goalkeeper Lindsey Maricic earned her second career victory in net for the Titans, making four saves for the match. Jennifer Bannon made six saves for the Blackbirds in the loss.

Cal State Fullerton closes out its season-opening three-match homestand on Friday (Aug. 26) at 7 p.m. as the Titans host Pepperdine at Titan Stadium.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Women's NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen Recap

Men's NCAA Tournament Second Round Recap

Recruiting Roundup: November 25-December 1