Box Score

Senior Corrie Hirokawa made her senior statement a strong one as she notched two unconventional goals while the Toro defense stifled the high-powered UNO offense in CSUDH's come-from-behind 2-1 victory over 6th-ranked University of Nebraska Omaha in both teams' season opener.

After UNO's Amanda Iwansky got the Mavericks on the board at the 2:02 mark as she secured a rebound and blasted it by CSUDH goalie Alyssa Congdon, the Mavericks looked to have CSUDH on its heels as their offense enjoyed a 10-4 shot advantage in the first half.  However, stellar defense by seniors Sandy Lloyd and Krista Rojas kept the Toros within reach, allowing Hirokawa's first strike.

At the 27:23 mark, the Torrance native sent a swift and arching corner kick towards the mouth of the goal, bending with so much force that it caused UNO keeper Ellen Petersen to field the ball inside the goal line for the equalizer.  After the two teams played even to finish the first half, CSUDH found its legs after the break and began to take control of the contest.

UNO would answer with runs of its own, but tackles by Rojas deep in Toro territory and sprawling saves by Congdon ignited the Toros' offense, allowing Hirokawa to capitalize at the 78:40 mark.  With just under 12 minutes remaining in regulation, Monique Castro fed Hirokawa from about 15 yards out and Peterson, who played well in front of her box the entire game, was this time caught in no man's land as Hirokawa floated a perfect strike over the UNO goalie's head and just under the crossbar for the game-winner.

Congdon was magnificent after UNO's first strike, making nine saves and playing well above her freshman status, while the Toro defense matched UNO's speed and aggressive play as the game continued.  The Mavericks enjoyed first half advantages in shots (10-4) and corners (3-1), but were matched by the Toros in both categories after the break.

CSUDH returns to action on Tuesday, August 28, as it hosts Azusa Pacific in Toro Stadium, with first kick scheduled for 6 pm.