Fresno State Athletics
Sunday, March 11
Tempe, Ariz.
9:30 A.M. PT
Fresno State
4
vs
7
Indiana University
Photo by: Keith Kountz
No. 25 Fresno State plays best all-around game of season in 7-4 loss to No. 13 Indiana
3/11/2018 11:21:00 AM | Water Polo
TEMPE, Ariz. – Fresno State squared off against No. 13 Indiana in its final game of the ASU Invitational on Sunday morning. Despite falling to the Hoosiers 7-4, the Bulldogs put together their best performance of the season. The defense challenged Indiana the entire game and while the 'Dogs scored just four goals, their tactical approach on offense showed vast improvement.
"That game was probably the best we've played all season," head coach Natalie Benson said. "Top-to-bottom, offense, defense and goalkeeping. Our one deficiency right now is confidence on our shots and some of our shot selection. But overall, I thought our attention to detail, our defensive awareness, our communication and even just the cleanliness of our offensive attack really improved. It's evident that they're really starting to understand what we're trying to do."
HOW IT HAPPENED
Indiana struck first as Megan Abarta gave the Hoosiers an early 1-0 lead with 4:55 remaining in the opening period. Trystyn Vuori provided the answer for Fresno State as the freshman poured one into the back of the cage on a power play at the 1:22 mark of the first. The score was tied 1-1 heading into the second.
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The Hoosiers scored the first two goals of the second period to take a 3-1 lead over the Bulldogs. But once again, the 'Dogs bounced back as Natalie Espinoza scored to shrink the Indiana lead to 3-2 going into the break.
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Both squads showed their defensive prowess in the third period. Indiana scored the lone goal in the frame and took a 4-2 advantage into the fourth.
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It was Fresno State that got on the board first in the final period. After a steal, Emily Nicholson heaved a perfect lead pass to a streaking Sydney Coachman for a breakaway goal to make it a 4-3 game with 6:05 left in the game. But the Hoosiers would respond in a big way as Indiana scored three consecutive goals to take a 7-3 lead with 1:12 remaining. Callie Woodruff blasted one into the net with 44 seconds left but it was a little too late as the Bulldogs fell 7-4.
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Sophomore goalie Madelynn Garcia had her best game of the season, compiling 10 saves to go along with a steal.
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UP NEXT
Fresno State will be back at home in front of the Red Wave on Friday, March 16. The Bulldogs are set to face off against Azusa Pacific in their second Golden Coast Conference matchup of the season at 3:30 p.m. PT.
"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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Follow us on:
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateWP
Instagram:Â fresnostatewp
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat:Â FSAthletics
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"That game was probably the best we've played all season," head coach Natalie Benson said. "Top-to-bottom, offense, defense and goalkeeping. Our one deficiency right now is confidence on our shots and some of our shot selection. But overall, I thought our attention to detail, our defensive awareness, our communication and even just the cleanliness of our offensive attack really improved. It's evident that they're really starting to understand what we're trying to do."
HOW IT HAPPENED
Indiana struck first as Megan Abarta gave the Hoosiers an early 1-0 lead with 4:55 remaining in the opening period. Trystyn Vuori provided the answer for Fresno State as the freshman poured one into the back of the cage on a power play at the 1:22 mark of the first. The score was tied 1-1 heading into the second.
Â
The Hoosiers scored the first two goals of the second period to take a 3-1 lead over the Bulldogs. But once again, the 'Dogs bounced back as Natalie Espinoza scored to shrink the Indiana lead to 3-2 going into the break.
Â
Both squads showed their defensive prowess in the third period. Indiana scored the lone goal in the frame and took a 4-2 advantage into the fourth.
Â
It was Fresno State that got on the board first in the final period. After a steal, Emily Nicholson heaved a perfect lead pass to a streaking Sydney Coachman for a breakaway goal to make it a 4-3 game with 6:05 left in the game. But the Hoosiers would respond in a big way as Indiana scored three consecutive goals to take a 7-3 lead with 1:12 remaining. Callie Woodruff blasted one into the net with 44 seconds left but it was a little too late as the Bulldogs fell 7-4.
Â
Sophomore goalie Madelynn Garcia had her best game of the season, compiling 10 saves to go along with a steal.
Â
UP NEXT
Fresno State will be back at home in front of the Red Wave on Friday, March 16. The Bulldogs are set to face off against Azusa Pacific in their second Golden Coast Conference matchup of the season at 3:30 p.m. PT.
"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
Snap Chat:Â FSAthletics
Â
Players Mentioned
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