Sept. 6, 2009

LA JOLLA, Calif. -- In day one it was their offense, producing 27 goals in a pair of wins, in day two it was their defense as they finish with a split and a third place trophy at the UC San Diego Triton Invitational. The Lions earn the split after an 11-6 setback to No. 1 USC but an impressive rebound victory over No. 5 Pepperdine, 9-6.

The Lions open the season with a 3-1 record after the split on Sunday against a pair of top-five programs. Junior All-American goalie Andy Stevens paced the Lions with 17 saves in the win over Pepperdine and finishes the tournament with 43 saves. Fellow junior Andrew Aki helped the cause with five field blocks against the Waves, nine on the tournament.

Sophomore Edgaras Asajavicius was the offensive force, breaking out for at least six goals for the second straight day. On Saturday it was seven goals against Pomona-Pitzer, on Sunday he scored six of the Lions' nine goals against Pepperdine.

Junior Dan Smith led the Lions with three goals against USC.

The Lions return for their home opener against conference foe Whittier on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 10:30 a.m.