IRVINE, Calif. – The Eagles won big Thursday thanks to a shutout by their defense and a balanced offensive performance that led to a 4-0 score over Biola.

After Wednesday's scheduled meeting was postponed, the battle of the Eagles took place a day later on Thursday at Eagles Field.

The first half remained scoreless as both teams put up strong defensive efforts. Jadenn Carrillo, who led the Eagles in scoring last year, was able to put the first goal of the game through to the net just three minutes into the second half. Carrillo scored with ease off of a penalty kick. This sparked a major momentum burst for the Green and Gold. Throughout the second half, the Eagles amplified their shot taking which led to four goals being scored!

"It felt absolutely amazing to score of course as it's been a couple of games since I got one," said Carrillo. "At half our coach, Chris Gould, had talked about the previous game and having no regrets. My mindset was 'I was going to do all I could and give it my all to try and help my team be successful.' Our team has such great potential and we really showed it today. I am extremely proud of myself and the team for proving ourselves once again!"

The last 10 minutes of the game were extremely exciting as CUI provided a lot of action. With 7:30 left in the game, Carmany Jones took over and landed a shot right above Biola's keeper to score her first goal on the season!

"I was a little hesitant to take the shot actually because the shot was set up on my weaker foot," said Jones. "But I just remembered my coach at half time telling us to take a lot of shots because their goalie had the sun in her eyes the second half. So, I took the shot and it went in!"

Analisa Gjonovich took three shots with two being on goal and with 2:50 left she got one to meet the net.

"I was really happy with how the team played and came back from the loss a couple of weeks ago," said Gjonovich. "We showed a lot of character and proved that we are more than what we showed the first game. And the attackers all scoring was the icing on the cake!"

With three CUI players in the books for a goal Marianna Maldonado decided she wanted to join in on the fun. With just 40 seconds left on the game clock Maldonado took the ball from midfield and worked her way past three defenders to score the fourth goal for CUI.

"I think with it being my last year one of my goals was to give 100% to my team in the few games we got," said Maldonado. "So that was definitely a moment I thought I needed to take advantage and just have fun with!"

CUI had faced Biola a few weeks prior and lost 1-3, they came back for this game and demolished them with a shutout of 4-0.

"Honestly, I think our defense just came out with a chip on our shoulder knowing how hard we've worked these past couple weeks waiting for this rematch," said Molly Melanson. "We really wanted to prove to everyone else how solid we are."

Melanson, a key defensive player for the Eagles, worked relentlessly in the match up as she chased down Biola players left and right to ensure they would not score. The Eagles held Biola to just four shots compared to CUI's 21 shots, with 12 being on goal!

Hailey Asato, a goalkeeper transfer from Concordia Portland, had one save for the game as she helped direct the Eagle defense which prevented Biola to get shots off.

"Getting this shutout was really important for us today after losing to Biola a few weeks ago," said Asato. "Our offense put up a really strong effort to help us with the win and our defense had their backs the whole game."

The Eagles host their final home game and last PacWest Conference game on Mar. 10 against PLNU under the lights at 6 p.m.

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