Box Score

 FRESNO, Calif. - Back-to-back goals by sophomore Morgan Castain were not enough as the Fresno State women's soccer team fell to UC Santa Barbara 3-2 Friday night on the road.

"The team is of course disappointed with losing," said Head Coach Brian Zwaschka. "But I don't think that anyone feels like it's something we can't bounce back from."

The Bulldogs gave up their first goal in three matches early in the contest. Dyanne Anderson put in a rebound after Erin Ortega's shot hit the crossbar to put the Gauchos on the board first. Ortega then slipped in a goal of her own to give UCSB (2-2-1) the 2-0 lead.

Fresno State (2-2-1) fired off its response with less than four minutes to go in the first half. Castain keyed in on a cross from senior Molly Nizzoli to bring the Bulldogs within one.

The score remained 2-1 in the second half until Castain blocked a clear attempt by the Gauchos goalie and punched it in from four yards out, tying the game at two all.

"Morgan has been showing a lot of composure," said Zwaschka. "She keeps her opponents guessing. I was glad to see it come to fruition for her up top."

With under four minutes left in the match, Anderson gave the Gauchos their final lead on a shot into the left corner of the goal.

The Bulldogs earned two corner kicks in the final minute of play. There were only 19 seconds left when Nizzoli served in the last corner kick and the shot by senior Kendall VanDine was saved.

"Just didn't manage to capitalize on it," Zwaschka said of the corners. "But we were pressing up to the last second which I was proud of."

Freshman Katie DeVault grabbed a career-high six saves. Fresno State returns home for its next match. The Bulldogs face Sacramento State this Sunday, Sept. 4 in Bulldog Stadium at 1 p.m.

"It's always going to be good to play at home," said Zwaschka. "I feel we play and respond pretty well on the road, but it's good to get everyone back to their own beds."

"We Are Your Team!" You can always stay connected with Fresno State Athletics on Facebook (fresnostateathletics) and Twitter (@FSAthletics)

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