ARCATA — Humboldt State failed to find the net in support of a stellar effort by goalkeeper Michela Hernandez, falling 2-0 to No. 4 nationally ranked UC San Diego in a California Collegiate Athletic Association women's soccer game played Friday.

Hernandez finished with 10 saves against the Triton's offensive onslaught as UC San Diego improved to 9-0-1 overall and 6-0-1 in the CCAA. Humboldt State fell to 3-9-2 and 1-7-0 in league heading into Sunday's home game against CSU Dominguez HIlls.

"Overall this was a good game for us," HSU head coach Andy Cumbo said. "We were much more organized and stronger on defense as the game progressed."

UCSD opened the scoring just 12 minutes into the game when Natasha Belak-Berger played a ball from the midfield over the top of the defense. Ali Lai collected it and raced past the sweeper for a one-on-one that she finished into the left side of the goal.

Five minutes later, the same combination clicked again, this time on a cross from Belak-Berger that Lai arced off her head over the top of the keeper and into the net.

HSU had its best offensive surge during the last 15 minutes of the first half, including a great opportunity by LeAnna Dahl. But UCSD keeper Jessica McGovern stepped up to collect the waist-high shot and prevent a score.

Hernandez kept busy in goal at the other end, saving five balls from going in during the first half. She calmly held her ground to prevent a one-on-one, and stopped another point-blank attempt a minute later.

"(Hernandez) was exposed to breakaways at least three times, but she still managed to come up with the saves" Cumbo said. "She's getting more confident and making better decisions with every game she plays."

Humboldt State showed more energy in the second half, possessing the ball on offense more consistently. Cumbo switched formations in an effort to capitalize on the Tritons' mistakes, but the Jacks were held scoreless by UCSD keeper Jessica McGovern, who finished with two saves.


UC San Diego (9-0-1, 6-0-1) vs. Humboldt State (3-9-2, 1-7-0)
Date: Oct 05, 2007  Attendance: 100
Weather: sunny, cool

Goals by period       1  2  Tot
-------------------------------
UC San Diego........  2  0 -  2
Humboldt State......  0  0 -  0

SCORING SUMMARY:
  1.  12:03 UCSD Ali Lai (Natasha Belak-Berger) - through ball, breakaway
  2.  17:53 UCSD Ali Lai (Natasha Belak-Berger) - lob over keeper

Shots: UC San Diego 20, Humboldt State 6
Saves: UC San Diego 2 (Jessica McGovern 2), Humboldt State 10
(HERNANDEZ, Michela 10)