SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – Hawai'i Pacific University scored twice in the first half, then held on after a late goal in the second to beat UC Santa Cruz 2-1 at UCSC's Lower East Field.
 
The Sharks (2-3-3) collected the win in their final non-conference match of the season, and getting the victory in regulation time for the first time this season. The Slugs (3-8-0), an NCAA Division III member, dropped their second straight to a Division II opponent.
 
The Sharks got on the board in the 21st minute when senior forward Josefine von der Burg of Gothenburg, Sweden/Donner Gynasiet curled a free kick from just outside the box over UCSC goalkeeper Malia Starita into the top of the net for her first goal of the season and a 1-0 lead.
 
HPU added to the lead in the 42nd minute when senior defender Brianne Cremer of Wailuku, Hawai'i/Baldwin found sophomore forward Nina Gonzales of Palmdale, Calif./Knight open. Gonzales ripped the shot into the net to collect her first goal of the year for a 2-0 lead the Sharks took into halftime.
 
The Sharks, who outshot the Slugs 10-4, peppered the goal in the second half without adding to their score.
 
UCSC ended the shutout in the 78th minute when Joelle Steichen took a pass from Gaby Powell, and one-touched it into the net.
 
HPU had a final scoring chance just miss when the Slugs got a team save off a shot from a corner kick in the 82nd minute.
 
HPU freshman goalkeeper Marissa Froio of Simi Valley, Calif./Royal, faced four shots by UCSC, with no saves and the one goal allowed in picking up the win to go to 2-1-1 on the season.  UCSC starting goalkeeper Starita  did not have a save, while allowing two goals. Allie Mandel, who entered the goal for the Slugs at halftime, recorded one save to go with the team save as the Slugs faced 10 total shots.
 
The Sharks return to PacWest Conference action on Friday when they visit Notre Dame de Namur. Kickoff at Koret Field in Belmont, Calif., is set for Noon HST (3 p.m. PDT), following the Sharks men's game with the Argonauts.