No. 25 Fresno State overpowered by No. 7 Pacific, 18-8

STOCKTON, Calif. – No. 25 Fresno State water polo trailed just 2-1 at the 5:50 mark of the first period on Saturday afternoon at Chris Kjeldsen Pool. But by the end of the opening frame, the 'Dogs were down 7-1 as No. 7 Pacific began to flex its muscle. While the Bulldog offense picked it up in the ensuing three periods and kept the game competitive, it wasn't enough. The Tigers' attack didn't skip a beat the remainder of the contest as UOP went on to win by a score of 18-8 over the 'Dogs.

Callie Woodruff had a strong all-around game. The freshman logged two goals (2-of-3 shooting), two drawn exclusions, two steals and an assist.

Jillian Gross also finished with two goals, her second multi-goal effort of the season. Gross tallied both of her scores in the third period.

"We adjusted well after the first quarter and had a competitive second, third and fourth quarter," head coach Natalie Benson said. "Some of our fundamentals were lacking and were exposed, but it was a tremendous learning experience for our young group."

HOW IT HAPPENED
Pacific wasted little time in getting in the scoring column thanks to two goals by Kyra Christmas, both assisted by Mariana Duarte. Fresno State would counter as Trytyn Vuori poured one into the cage to make it a 2-1 game at the 5:50 mark. The Tigers took control soon thereafter as they rattled off five straight scores to close the period and take a 7-1 lead into the second.

The Bulldogs hung tough with UOP in the second period. While Pacific scored the first four goals of the frame to take an 11-1 advantage, the 'Dogs ended the half on strong note, going on a 3-0 run. Callie Woodruff scored twice while Gabrielle Wiltse also tallied a goal in the final 4-plus minutes to make it an 11-4 game at the break.

The Tigers came out and scored early and often to the tune of five goals in the third period. Jillian Gross provided the offense for Fresno State in the third as she scored twice, which marked her second multi-goal game of the season. Pacific led 16-6 after three.

The Bulldogs played the Tigers even in the final period. UOP scored twice more in the final eight minutes while the 'Dogs also logged two goals, one apiece by Sydney Coachman and Emily Nicholson.

Fresno State was right there with Pacific from the second period on, but the first period in which the Tigers outscored the Bulldogs by six goals proved to be the difference as UOP captured an 18-8 victory.

UP NEXT
Fresno State will conclude its regular season schedule with a road matchup against conference opponent Cal Baptist on Saturday, April 21. The opening sprint is slated for 12 p.m. PT in Riverside, Calif.

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No. 25 Fresno State overpowered by No. 7 Pacific, 18-8

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Players Mentioned

Sydney Coachman

Jillian Gross

Emily Nicholson

Gabrielle Wiltse

Callie Woodruff

Fresno State Athletics