The University of California, Riverside Highlanders (6-3) proved too tall a challenge for the Sacramento State women’s soccer team (1-6-1) this Friday, as the Hornets were blanked, 1-0, in regulation play.

The first half consisted of poor shooting, and plays that went no-where; both teams were unable to score before half time. Shortly afterwards, in the 46th minute, the Highlanders’ Kerri Fahres hit net after receiving a pass from Tracy Schuster. The goal proved to be the final, and only, nail in the coffin for the Hornets. Neither team scored afterwards, and UC Riverside went on to their sixth win.

“We didn’t play well as a whole. We didn’t really have a great trip. They weren’t focused and didn’t step it up,” Hornet coach Karen Hanks said.

After the second half, Hanks moved Linda Sanchez from midfield to the forward position, and changed from a 4-4-2 formation to a 4-3-3 structure. The strategy was, according to Hanks, intended to “create more offensive opportunities,” and to utilize Sanchez, a solid scorer.

“Most of their (the Highlanders) shots came from the outside,” said Hanks. “They were shooting pretty wildly.”

The Highlanders put up 19 shots, of which only six were on target. The Hornets had their lowest number of shots this season at five, with two being on goal. Of the five shots taken by the Hornets, four — two of which were on goal — were from Sanchez, with the other shot coming from Courtney Gorham. Sanchez’s two shots-on-goal were the only ones from Sacramento State.

“I don’t know what happened,” said forward Lisa Wrightsman, who last season averaged more than a point — combined figures for assists and goals — per game.

Michelle Balzouman, the new goalkeeper for Sacramento State, had five saves, but one costly ball slipped through. Kristen Cocks, for UC Riverside, had two saves and shut the Hornets out from scoring.

Shortly after half time, Wrightsman, suffered a minor ankle sprain that could affect Wednesday’s game against Cal State Stanislaus.

“We should do well. We have some other people who can step it up if (Wrightsman) can’t go,” Hanks said. “Her injury isn’t that bad. She just sprained her ankle.”

For the second straight game, Amy Seely, who has been the Hornets’ goalkeeper for the past two seasons, did not play. Her removal, according to Hanks, was because of Seely’s marginal performance this season.

“Michelle is the starter now,” Hanks said. “It’s Michelle’s to lose.”

The Hornets will return to Hornet Field to host Cal State Stanislaus on Wednesday, Oct. 2nd at 1 p.m.