Fresno State Athletics
Saturday, April 21
Riverside, Calif.
12 P.M. PT
Fresno State
6
at
5
California Baptist
Photo by: Keith Kountz
Fresno State rallies from four goals down to edge No. 22 Cal Baptist in regular season finale, 6-5
4/21/2018 2:26:00 PM | Water Polo
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Down 5-1 at the half to No. 22 Cal Baptist on Saturday at Lancer Aquatic Center, Fresno State mounted a wild comeback, outscoring CBU 5-0 in the second half to erase the four-goal deficit and win by a final of 6-5. The victory is the second of the season over a ranked opponent, with the Bulldogs' last such win coming over CSUN back on Jan. 20. The 'Dogs finish the regular season with a 6-16 overall record and a 3-4 mark in Golden Coast Conference play.
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Fresno State's offense was led by Emily Nicholson and Callie Woodruff as both registered two goals apiece. Sydney Coachman and Natalie Espinoza also tallied scores.
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Madelynn Garcia played an excellent game in the cage. The sophomore keeper finished with nine saves and six steals.
The Bulldogs' victory was keyed by their strong second half play, as head coach Natalie Benson was proud of the way her team closed out the game.
"Honestly, we were more aggressive and intentional with our play, and it really came down to having some pride in yourself, your team, and your preparation," said Benson. "I told them that if they are going to play scared and passive, they will lose. They needed to choose to be their team's hype-man and get fired up, as we were still in the game when it was 5-3.  They earned this victory with their second half play today, and I hope they are able to carry this lesson with them moving forward. They looked sharp, decisive, and were tough through the last 3:00 flurry."
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HOW IT HAPPENED
The defenses shined in the opening period as only one goal was scored between the two teams. Amy Branch of Cal Baptist put one into the back of the cage at the 3:07 mark to give the Lancers a 1-0 advantage heading into the second.
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CBU struck first again in the second period as Annie Eubanks made it a 2-0 game in favor of the Lancers with 6:25 remaining in the half. The Bulldogs would get into the scoring column just 23 seconds later when Natalie Espinoza poured in an even-strength goal to bring her squad within one. However, Cal Baptist would close the half on a 3-0 run to take a 5-1 lead into the break.
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The second half was all 'Dogs. In the third period, Sydney Coachman tallied an even-strength score while Callie Woodruff converted on a power play to shrink Fresno State's deficit to two goals at 5-3. The defense was stingy as the Lancers couldn't get anything going offensively. The Bulldogs trailed by two going into the fourth.
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Emily Nicholson scored twice in the first 2:20 of the fourth period to tie the game up at 5-5. Callie Woodruff then scored her second of the game at the 4:55 mark to give the Bulldogs their first lead of the contest at 6-5. The defense stymied the Lancers down the stretch to preserve the one-goal advantage and earn the 'Dogs a 6-5 comeback victory to wrap up the regular season.
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UP NEXT
Fresno State will make its third trip of the month down to Southern California next week for the Golden Coast Conference Championships in Los Angeles. Loyola Marymount is set to host the three-day tournament on April 27-29.
"This season has been a tremendous experience, and when I give myself the time to reflect on how much this team has grown, I am exceptionally proud," head coach Natalie Benson said. "These young ladies have come a long way, and I look forward to the challenges that the future presents."
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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.
Follow us on:
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateWP
Instagram:Â fresnostatewp
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat:Â FSAthletics
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Fresno State's offense was led by Emily Nicholson and Callie Woodruff as both registered two goals apiece. Sydney Coachman and Natalie Espinoza also tallied scores.
Â
Madelynn Garcia played an excellent game in the cage. The sophomore keeper finished with nine saves and six steals.
The Bulldogs' victory was keyed by their strong second half play, as head coach Natalie Benson was proud of the way her team closed out the game.
"Honestly, we were more aggressive and intentional with our play, and it really came down to having some pride in yourself, your team, and your preparation," said Benson. "I told them that if they are going to play scared and passive, they will lose. They needed to choose to be their team's hype-man and get fired up, as we were still in the game when it was 5-3.  They earned this victory with their second half play today, and I hope they are able to carry this lesson with them moving forward. They looked sharp, decisive, and were tough through the last 3:00 flurry."
Â
HOW IT HAPPENED
The defenses shined in the opening period as only one goal was scored between the two teams. Amy Branch of Cal Baptist put one into the back of the cage at the 3:07 mark to give the Lancers a 1-0 advantage heading into the second.
Â
CBU struck first again in the second period as Annie Eubanks made it a 2-0 game in favor of the Lancers with 6:25 remaining in the half. The Bulldogs would get into the scoring column just 23 seconds later when Natalie Espinoza poured in an even-strength goal to bring her squad within one. However, Cal Baptist would close the half on a 3-0 run to take a 5-1 lead into the break.
Â
The second half was all 'Dogs. In the third period, Sydney Coachman tallied an even-strength score while Callie Woodruff converted on a power play to shrink Fresno State's deficit to two goals at 5-3. The defense was stingy as the Lancers couldn't get anything going offensively. The Bulldogs trailed by two going into the fourth.
Â
Emily Nicholson scored twice in the first 2:20 of the fourth period to tie the game up at 5-5. Callie Woodruff then scored her second of the game at the 4:55 mark to give the Bulldogs their first lead of the contest at 6-5. The defense stymied the Lancers down the stretch to preserve the one-goal advantage and earn the 'Dogs a 6-5 comeback victory to wrap up the regular season.
Â
UP NEXT
Fresno State will make its third trip of the month down to Southern California next week for the Golden Coast Conference Championships in Los Angeles. Loyola Marymount is set to host the three-day tournament on April 27-29.
"This season has been a tremendous experience, and when I give myself the time to reflect on how much this team has grown, I am exceptionally proud," head coach Natalie Benson said. "These young ladies have come a long way, and I look forward to the challenges that the future presents."
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.
Follow us on:
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateWP
Instagram:Â fresnostatewp
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat:Â FSAthletics
Â
Players Mentioned
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