Fresno State Athletics
Friday, February 9
Fresno, Calif.
5 P.M. PT
Fresno State
16
vs
6
Fresno Pacific
Photo by: Keith Kountz
No. 21 Fresno State cruises past Fresno Pacific in inaugural home opener, 16-6
2/9/2018 7:16:00 PM | Water Polo
FRESNO, Calif. – In front of a packed house of 858 fans at the Fresno State Aquatics Center, the Bulldogs dominated from the first sprint and came out victorious by a score of 16-6 over the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds in their inaugural home opener. Five 'Dogs recorded multi-goal efforts, led by Isabella Magno's four goals.
Head coach Natalie Benson was not only impressed by her team's performance, but also by the support the Red Wave showed in the Bulldogs' first ever appearance at home.
"It's why I came here," Benson said. "Water polo is respected and people want to come watch and support the team. I think that's what's going to make these athletes feel like legitimate Division I athletes. They have fan support."
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State began with a bang as just 20 seconds into the game, Emily Nicholson stole the ball on the perimeter and took it coast-to-coast for a goal to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead. The 'Dogs would tack on six more goals in the period, including two by Maddie Loggins and another by Nicholson. Fresno Pacific scored twice in the first as Fresno State led 7-2 after one.
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The second period yielded similar results as the Bulldogs offense continued to roll. Claire Schade opened the scoring off a nice feed from Maci Layne to give the 'Dogs an 8-2 advantage. Isabella Magno poured in two goals in the second, giving her a hat trick while Schade also added another score. The Sunbirds countered with one goal as Fresno State held a commanding 12-3 lead at the break.
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The offenses were much quieter in the second half as the two teams combined for seven goals compared to the 15 scored in the opening half. The Bulldogs and Sunbirds each scored twice in the third period while the 'Dogs outscored FPU 2-1 in the fourth as they went onto win in convincing fashion, 16-6.
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Madelynn Garcia got the start in the cage and tallied 10 saves, three assists and one steal.
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UP NEXT
Fresno State will be back in the pool next weekend in Davis at the Aggie Shootout. The Bulldogs will face off against Cal State East Bay in their first game on Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. They will then take on Santa Clara later in the day at 3:30 p.m. On Feb. 18, Fresno State will clash with Team China in an exhibition matchup at 9 a.m. and host UC Davis at 12:30 p.m. to round out the tournament.
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"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.
Â
Follow us on:
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateWP
Instagram:Â fresnostatewp
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
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Head coach Natalie Benson was not only impressed by her team's performance, but also by the support the Red Wave showed in the Bulldogs' first ever appearance at home.
"It's why I came here," Benson said. "Water polo is respected and people want to come watch and support the team. I think that's what's going to make these athletes feel like legitimate Division I athletes. They have fan support."
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State began with a bang as just 20 seconds into the game, Emily Nicholson stole the ball on the perimeter and took it coast-to-coast for a goal to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead. The 'Dogs would tack on six more goals in the period, including two by Maddie Loggins and another by Nicholson. Fresno Pacific scored twice in the first as Fresno State led 7-2 after one.
Â
The second period yielded similar results as the Bulldogs offense continued to roll. Claire Schade opened the scoring off a nice feed from Maci Layne to give the 'Dogs an 8-2 advantage. Isabella Magno poured in two goals in the second, giving her a hat trick while Schade also added another score. The Sunbirds countered with one goal as Fresno State held a commanding 12-3 lead at the break.
Â
The offenses were much quieter in the second half as the two teams combined for seven goals compared to the 15 scored in the opening half. The Bulldogs and Sunbirds each scored twice in the third period while the 'Dogs outscored FPU 2-1 in the fourth as they went onto win in convincing fashion, 16-6.
Â
Madelynn Garcia got the start in the cage and tallied 10 saves, three assists and one steal.
Â
UP NEXT
Fresno State will be back in the pool next weekend in Davis at the Aggie Shootout. The Bulldogs will face off against Cal State East Bay in their first game on Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. They will then take on Santa Clara later in the day at 3:30 p.m. On Feb. 18, Fresno State will clash with Team China in an exhibition matchup at 9 a.m. and host UC Davis at 12:30 p.m. to round out the tournament.
Â
"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.
Â
Follow us on:
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateWP
Instagram:Â fresnostatewp
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Â
Players Mentioned
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