Fresno State Athletics
Sunday, April 8
San Diego, Calif.
12 P.M. PT
Fresno State
9
at
11
San Diego State
Photo by: Keith Kountz
Fresno State’s late fourth-period surge not enough in 11-9 loss to No. 21 San Diego State
4/8/2018 2:03:00 PM | Water Polo
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Fresno State water polo held a 2-1 lead over No. 21 San Diego State after the first period before being outscored 4-1 by the Aztecs in the second. Trailing 8-5 after three frames and 11-6 with just over four minutes remaining, the Bulldogs rattled off three straight goals to get within two. But it was too little, too late as SDSU outlasted the 'Dogs to win by a final score of 11-9 on Sunday afternoon at the Aztec Aquaplex.
Emily Nicholson registered her third hat trick in the last five games to lead the Fresno State attack.
Callie Woodruff and Natalie Espinoza also tallied multi-goal efforts, as both freshman poured in a pair of goals. Claire Schade and Maddie Loggins each scored once to round out the Bulldog offense.
Hannah Duggins started her second consecutive game in the cage. The freshman goalie finished with 10 saves.
"Overall, a good game, but we need to work on limiting our mistakes that directly lead to scoring opportunities for our opponent," head coach Natalie Benson said. "There are a lot of positive things to take away from the game as we continue to grow and evolve through the season."
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State struck first as Emily Nicholson opened the scoring at the 4:45 mark of the opening period. San Diego State then countered with a goal by Courtney Jarvia to tie it up at 1-1 before Callie Woodruff gave the Bulldogs the lead back thanks to a score with 34 seconds left. The 'Dogs led 2-1 after eight minutes of play.
The second period was controlled by the Aztecs. SDSU scored four goals, including two by Emily Bennett. Emily Nicholson did manage to pour in her second score of the game as Fresno State trailed 5-3 at the break.
The Bulldogs began the second half on a strong note as Callie Woodruff tallied her second goal of the contest to make it a 5-4 game. San Diego State then answered with a goal by Hannah Carrillo to regain a 2-goal advantage. Natalie Espinoza followed with her first goal of the game for the 'Dogs, but San Diego State would counter with two straight goals to take an 8-5 lead into the fourth.
Hannah Carillo logged her second goal of the game just 22 seconds into the final period to give the Aztecs a 9-5 lead. Just over one minute later, Claire Schade blasted one into the cage to make it a 9-6 game. Emily Bennett and Courtney Jarvis of SDSU then quickly rebutted with a pair of goals to give San Diego State an 11-6 advantage with 4:07 left. Natalie Espinoza, Emily Nicholson and Maddie Loggins all scored in the following 3-plus minutes to pull Fresno State within two scores with 53 seconds remaining. Unfortunately, the clock wasn't on the Bulldogs' side as the Aztecs held on for the 11-9 victory.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs will continue their Golden Coast Conference road slate with a matchup against current No. 8 Pacific on Saturday, April 14. The opening sprint is scheduled for 12 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.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateWP
Instagram: fresnostatewp
Facebook: FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat: FSAthletics
Emily Nicholson registered her third hat trick in the last five games to lead the Fresno State attack.
Callie Woodruff and Natalie Espinoza also tallied multi-goal efforts, as both freshman poured in a pair of goals. Claire Schade and Maddie Loggins each scored once to round out the Bulldog offense.
Hannah Duggins started her second consecutive game in the cage. The freshman goalie finished with 10 saves.
"Overall, a good game, but we need to work on limiting our mistakes that directly lead to scoring opportunities for our opponent," head coach Natalie Benson said. "There are a lot of positive things to take away from the game as we continue to grow and evolve through the season."
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State struck first as Emily Nicholson opened the scoring at the 4:45 mark of the opening period. San Diego State then countered with a goal by Courtney Jarvia to tie it up at 1-1 before Callie Woodruff gave the Bulldogs the lead back thanks to a score with 34 seconds left. The 'Dogs led 2-1 after eight minutes of play.
The second period was controlled by the Aztecs. SDSU scored four goals, including two by Emily Bennett. Emily Nicholson did manage to pour in her second score of the game as Fresno State trailed 5-3 at the break.
The Bulldogs began the second half on a strong note as Callie Woodruff tallied her second goal of the contest to make it a 5-4 game. San Diego State then answered with a goal by Hannah Carrillo to regain a 2-goal advantage. Natalie Espinoza followed with her first goal of the game for the 'Dogs, but San Diego State would counter with two straight goals to take an 8-5 lead into the fourth.
Hannah Carillo logged her second goal of the game just 22 seconds into the final period to give the Aztecs a 9-5 lead. Just over one minute later, Claire Schade blasted one into the cage to make it a 9-6 game. Emily Bennett and Courtney Jarvis of SDSU then quickly rebutted with a pair of goals to give San Diego State an 11-6 advantage with 4:07 left. Natalie Espinoza, Emily Nicholson and Maddie Loggins all scored in the following 3-plus minutes to pull Fresno State within two scores with 53 seconds remaining. Unfortunately, the clock wasn't on the Bulldogs' side as the Aztecs held on for the 11-9 victory.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs will continue their Golden Coast Conference road slate with a matchup against current No. 8 Pacific on Saturday, April 14. The opening sprint is scheduled for 12 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.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateWP
Instagram: fresnostatewp
Facebook: FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat: FSAthletics
Players Mentioned
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