Fresno State Athletics
Photo by: Keith Kountz
Fresno State water polo gets first taste of inaugural season
11/7/2017 2:56:00 PM | Water Polo
FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno State water polo competed in the prestigious Collegiate Cup on Nov. 4-5 in the program's first-ever game action. While the results didn't count in the win/loss column, this was the first time the 'Dogs have faced off against other teams. The Bulldogs finished the tournament with two wins in five games, but the weekend was more about gaining valuable experience and learning how to play with each other.
"I am happy with the performance of the team this weekend, and the tournament has served its intended purpose," head coach Natalie Benson said. "We got to play five games as a team and learned about our group in a competitive and challenging environment. Our staff and our athletes now have a clearer picture of where we are, and have some game experience to draw from."
The weekend event was popular within the Valley as groups of water polo fans were on hand to cheer on their Bulldogs as well as the other teams that participated in the tournament.
"I received so many compliments on our facilities, our university, and our community," Benson said. "A number of people and organizations helped make this event run so smoothly, and it is a great reflection on the people within our sport community as well as our Valley community."
Fresno State won its first game of the tournament against USA Team 2, which was composed of mostly USA Youth National Team players, by a score of 9-8. The 'Dogs also beat Marist, who finished last season at No. 24 in the rankings, in their Saturday nightcap, 6-4.
The Bulldogs' losses came to San Jose State (twice) and Michigan. The Wolverines are a consistent presence in the top 10 every season and the Spartans ended the 2017 season ranked No. 20. Playing against high-level competition this early on will only help the 'Dogs moving forward.
Fresno State's regular season begins at the UC Santa Barbara Gaucho Invitational on Jan. 20-21. The Bulldogs will face off against Indiana, CSUN, China and host UCSB during the two-day event.
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
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"I am happy with the performance of the team this weekend, and the tournament has served its intended purpose," head coach Natalie Benson said. "We got to play five games as a team and learned about our group in a competitive and challenging environment. Our staff and our athletes now have a clearer picture of where we are, and have some game experience to draw from."
The weekend event was popular within the Valley as groups of water polo fans were on hand to cheer on their Bulldogs as well as the other teams that participated in the tournament.
"I received so many compliments on our facilities, our university, and our community," Benson said. "A number of people and organizations helped make this event run so smoothly, and it is a great reflection on the people within our sport community as well as our Valley community."
Fresno State won its first game of the tournament against USA Team 2, which was composed of mostly USA Youth National Team players, by a score of 9-8. The 'Dogs also beat Marist, who finished last season at No. 24 in the rankings, in their Saturday nightcap, 6-4.
The Bulldogs' losses came to San Jose State (twice) and Michigan. The Wolverines are a consistent presence in the top 10 every season and the Spartans ended the 2017 season ranked No. 20. Playing against high-level competition this early on will only help the 'Dogs moving forward.
Fresno State's regular season begins at the UC Santa Barbara Gaucho Invitational on Jan. 20-21. The Bulldogs will face off against Indiana, CSUN, China and host UCSB during the two-day event.
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
Follow us on:
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateWP
Instagram:Â fresnostatewp
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat:Â FSAthletics
Â
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