USD tops Anteaters

The UC Irvine women’s soccer team absorbed its first loss of the

season Sunday, as host University of San Diego earned a 3-0

nonconference triumph at Torero Stadium.

UCI sophomore goalie Melissa Welliver, who had zero chances in the

Anteaters’ season-opening 1-0 win over visiting San Jose State

Friday, was victimized for three goals for only the second time in

her 21 collegiate games.

The Toreros (1-1) took a lead when Amy Epstein scored in the 36th

minute.

Michelle Rowe headed a cross from Marie-Claude Henry past Welliver

in the 61st minute and Vanessa Vella rounded out the scoring on a

free kick from 27 yards out in the 62nd minute.

Welliver, who had an 0.79 goals-against average last season,

finished with eight saves.

USD keeper Karen Cook had four saves as the hosts outshot UCI,

11-4.

* In other women’s college action: Vanguard University junior

Heather Tape had a hat trick to lead the Lions to a 5-0

season-opening victory over visiting Bethany College Friday.

Tape’s goals all came before halftime, while sophomore Heather

Hutton chipped in three assists and a goal for the winners.

Jennifer Natoniewski also scored for VU, which received two saves

from goalie Kim Belcher.