LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – The UNLV women's soccer team finished out the weekend on a high note, coming from behind twice to rally for a 3-2 win in overtime against UC San Diego Sunday at Peter Johann Memorial Field. The Rebels won their third straight game to improve to 3-1 overall in 2021.

Redshirt junior Hevani Haunga turned in a career performance, notching three goals on the day, including the game-winning score five minutes into the first overtime period. The hat trick was just the seventh all time in program history. This is the second overtime game-winner for the Laupahoehoe, Hawaii, native, who also scored the golden goal to beat first-place San Diego State 3-2 at home last spring. 

UNLV has played four overtime games under second-year head coach Jenny Ruiz-Williams and has not lost any of those contests, winning three by way of the golden goal.

The Rebels twice overcame deficits to send the game to OT. After the Tritons struck first with a goal in the 12th minute, Haunga came in off the bench and found the back of the net to tie it up in the 34th minute. UCSD regained the lead with a goal in the 55th minute, but UNLV kept pressing. With just over 15 minutes left, junior forward Alysa Caso pushed the ball up the right side of the box and sent a perfect cross to the waiting foot of Haunga, who one-touched it past the Triton keeper to make it two-all. 

The pivotal moment for the Rebels came with just under three minutes remaining as a UNLV defender was called for a hand ball in the box, giving UCSD a penalty kick and potentially the victory. Senior keeper Charlotte Brisley, making a third straight start in goal, was up for the challenge and anticipated a shot to her left. A quick dive and Brisley was able to make the save on the kick and give UNLV the chance to force the game to extra time. 

Both teams had their chances throughout the first overtime period, but it was UNLV who delivered in the 95th minute as Haunga found a streaking Lourdes Bosch on the left side of the box. Bosch took a touch, cut it back and passed it back to Haunga, who used her left foot to slot the ball into the left corner of the net before the Triton keeper could get to it and the game was over.

The Rebels will remain at home this week for a Thursday matinee match against California Baptist at noon at Peter Johann Memorial Field. Admission is $6 per adult when purchased in advance of game day and free for kids in high school or younger. Season and single-game tickets can be purchased at UNLVTickets.com.