'Dogs split day two of UCSB Invite, earn first win of 2019

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.– The Fresno State water polo team split the second day of the 2019 UCSB Invitational, earning the first win of the season over Indiana before falling to #11 Michigan.

"I'm really proud of the way the team competed," head coach Natalie Benson said. "We were able to make changes throughout the weekend. We saw progress from game-to-game, possession-to-possession. Our defense improved dramatically throughout the weekend. We understand what this game requires at this level a lot better after the four games we played. I'm looking forward to competing over the next few weeks. I'm also looking forward to breaking down the film, so we can improve on certain things. It's great to see that we are just a few inches away from making the right choices and having a different outcome in some of those games."

vs. Indiana – Callie Woodruff opened up scoring in the first quarter to give the Bulldogs an early 1-0 lead. The Hoosiers made an offensive push to go on a 3-0 run, taking a 3-1 lead. Emily Nicholson found the back of the net to make it a one-goal game at the end of the first quarter, 3-2.

The second quarter kicked off with Trystyn Vuori winning the Bulldogs' first sprint of the season, gaining possession for Fresno State. Fresno State played tough defense as a team throughout the match. Sienna Jagielski swiped a steal and the Bulldogs turned that possession into a goal, as Vuori scored a penalty goal to tie the game 3-3. Less than a minute later, Woodruff scored to give Fresno State a 4-3 lead over Indiana. The Bulldogs' offense continued firing, Woodruff logged another goal to make it a hat trick. Nicholson scored the last goal of the second quarter, and Fresno State went into halftime with a 6-3 lead.

Fresno State started the third quarter with possession, after Claire Schade won the sprint. Nicholson earned her hat trick on a fast break to make it four goals in a row for the Bulldogs. Indiana finally stopped the Bulldogs run with a made penalty shot. Fresno State scored three more goals before the end of the quarter, while Indiana could only counter with one. The Bulldogs were up 10-5 with one quarter left to play. Schade won the sprint to start the fourth quarter. Both teams would notch two goals apiece in the quarter. The Bulldogs defeated the Hoosiers 12-7 for their first win of the 2019 season.

Nicholson tied her career-high with five goals in the game. Mackenzie Richards was clutch for the Bulldogs in the goal, grabbing eight saves.

vs. #11 Michigan – The Wolverines won the sprint to open the first quarter. Michigan went on a 3-0 run over the first two minutes of the game. Daphne Guevremont broke the Wolverine's run by scoring her first collegiate goal. Michigan would score one more goal before the end of the quarter to take a 4-1 lead over Fresno State. Michigan won the sprint to open the second quarter, and would strike first with a goal. Fresno State got back on the scoreboard when Emily Diacono found the back of the net to put the Bulldogs within three, 5-2. Michigan came right back three straight goals, to take an 8-2 lead. Nicholson scored the last goal of the quarter, to make it 8-3 at the half.

Schade won her third sprint of the day to gain position for the Bulldogs to start the second half. Michigan would open up scoring, and the Wolverines took a 9-3 lead. Guevremont attacked for the Bulldogs to score the first goal of the second half. Woodruff continued the Bulldogs' offensive push with another goal, Fresno State was trailing 9-5. Michigan netted one more goal before the end of the quarter to make it 10-5 going into the fourth. Michigan won the sprint to start the final quarter. The Bulldogs' defense held Michigan to only four shots in the fourth quarter, with each team netting one goal. Michigan took the win 11-6.

Guervemont and Nicholson led the Bulldogs with two goals apiece. Richards notched 11 saves for Fresno State in the cage.

What's next -- Fresno State will travel to compete in the Cal Cup Jan. 26-27.

"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.

'Dogs split day two of UCSB Invite, earn first win of 2019

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Players Mentioned

Emily Diacono

Daphne Guevremont

Sienna Jagielski

Emily Nicholson

Mackenzie Richards

Claire Schade

Trystyn Vuori

Callie Woodruff

Fresno State Athletics