By Justin Bercovich
A team never wants to play from behind, but that was the situation the Slugs found themselves in Friday against Chapman University.But with three goals in the second half, the Slugs came back and notched the 3-1 win, preserving their undefeated record. The victory marked the second time UCSC has been able to come from behind and win this season.Junior Megan Cox was confident in the team’s talent level, and wasn’t worried about playing from behind."The girls are so good at picking their heads up and staying positive and knowing how to get the job done," Cox said. "We talked at halftime about turning up the intensity," coach Michael Runeare said. "There was nervousness and panic because they haven’t been behind much this year. We just talked to them about relaxing and being patient, and they did that."Junior Danielle Mullen, whose playing time has been reduced as a result of a hamstring strain, entered the game in the second half and proved to be the spark that the Slugs needed. Mullen scored in the 56th minute to tie the game at one apiece."It’s a shock [when we get scored on], but we came back so strong," sophomore Annick Lamb explained. "When Danielle scored, there was so much energy it changed the game. It changed the whole momentum of the game."The Slugs (14-0-2) took that momentum and ran with it. Lamb scored the go-ahead goal just minutes later, and freshman Wendy Funk knocked in an insurance goal later in the second half.UCSC have taken full advantage of their home field this year, going 8-0-1 at home. "It’s amazing that so many people came out here to support us," senior Monica Lee commented. "It’s amazing that I’m the only one left after four years, but [the girls who I played with as a freshman] still come out here to support us. We have a home field advantage."Lee, the team’s only senior, was honored before the game with a special tribute and a bigger-than-life poster of herself, which many of her teammates signed."She’s our captain," Mullen said. "She communicates what the coach wants. She keeps things light and happy."With only one regular-season game to play, the Slugs appear to be headed for a playoff birth, but as a Division III independent school, Mullen pointed out that nothing is guaranteed. "It should be in the bag," she said, "but nothing is for sure."The Slugs will play their regular season finale on Saturday against another rival, Cal State East Bay. Mullen doesn’t think that they will be a problem. "I’m not worried," she said. "I think we’ll be fine."
