SEASIDE, Calif. — Cal State Monterey Bay played a strong game, but No. 9 UC Santa Barbara was a little bit stronger as the visiting Gauchos raced to an early lead then held off the Otters for a 15–10 victory in a rare Monday matinee in the Otter Tank.

CSUMB got a career–high four goals from freshman Kaitlin Rooney (Morgan Hill/Presentation HS). Senior Morgan Tucker (San Diego/Clairemont HS) added her eighth hat trick of the season. Center defender Olivia Woolery (San Diego/Clairemont HS) and goalkeeper Shelby Stephens (Stockton/S.J. Delta College) led the defense with three steals apiece.

"They came out hard and we fed off that energy and brought it right back to them," said senior Marisa Lovos (Tualatin [Ore.] HS).

"We played a hard four quarters and it was a really fun game to play in," added Tucker.

First quarter goals from Tucker and Rooney kept the Otters close early. But a Kelly Murphy score in the final minute of the period started UCSB runs of 4–0 and 8–1 that put the Gauchos on top 11–3 early in the third quarter.

Rooney's second score of the game midway through the period got the Otter offense back on track. CSUMB out–scored UCSB 7–4 over the final 11:34 of regulation, but could pull no closer than five in the second half.

CSUMB will welcome another nationally–ranked foe to the Otter Tank on Wednesday when No. 7 UC Davis visits. First sprint is scheduled for 1 p.m.