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SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Julianne Grinstead’s header in the 22nd minute proved to be the game winner Thursday night in a 2-0 win over the UC Irvine Anteaters, advancing the Mustangs to the Big West Conference Women’s Soccer Tournament Championship against the UCSB Gauchos on Sunday at Alex G. Spanos Stadium at 1 pm.

With the win the Mustangs improve to 14-5 overall while the Anteaters fall to 12-7-2.

UC Irvine opened the game with a bang in the opening minute of play with two shots on goal. The first, coming on a shot by Tanya Taylor from just outside the box, hit the top of the crossbar. Dana Sanderlin settled the rebound and fired a shot from 10 yards out forcing a diving save by Coral Hoover.

The Mustangs responded in the 22nd minute when Kaleena Andruss stole the ball and dribble up the left side but was taken down just outside the left side of the penalty box. Kirstina Condon-Sherwood took the free kick and lofted a ball just inside the top of the box where senior Grinstead was able to get a header on the ball and put it in the right side of the net. For Grinstead it was her fourth goal of the season.

The Mustangs threatened with a second goal when Tiffany Gummow broke free and fired a shot from 12 yards out forcing a diving save by UCI goalie Danielle De Seriere.

The half ended with UCI holding a 8-6 advantage in shots while each had four shots on goal.

In the second half the Mustangs made good on the second goal when Morgan Miller scored her fourth goal of the season in the 60th minute when she knocked in a deflected ball by Carissa Voegele off a Condon-Sherwood corner kick.

UCI had its best opportunity to score in the second half in the 81st minute when Grinstead was called for a hand ball just out side of the Mustang penalty box. Kate Berrini took the free shot and fired it wide left.

Overall UCI held a 14-10 advantage in shots and a 8-6 advantage with shots on goal. Each team was whistled for seven fouls while UCI had seven corner kicks compared to five for the Mustangs.

Hoover earned her 11th shutout of the season and her seventh consecutive shutout when she made eight saves. With the win Hoover improved to 14-2-0 for the season.

de Seriere was tagged with the loss for the Anteaters making four saves.

For the Mustangs it was the team’s seventh consecutive shutout, surpassing the record of six set by the 2003 team.

UC Santa Barbara advances to Sunday’s final by defeating Cal State Northridge 2-1 on Thursday afternoon. With the win the No. 3 seeded Gauchos improved to 9-9-2 and will face the No.1 seeded Mustangs at 1 pm.