No. 13 Fresno State drops GCC opener to No. 7 Pacific, 16-8

FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State water polo team fell to No. 7 Pacific in its Golden Coast Conference opener 16-8 at the Aquatics Center, Saturday afternoon. Freshman Daphne Guevremont scored a team-high four goals in the game, tying her career-high.

"It was a physical game," head coach Natalie Benson said. "Pacific is a very physical team. We matched up well against them during the first half. They switched to a different style of defense in the second half. It took us awhile to adjust and they were able to score a few goals during that time, that's what made the difference today. Overall, I'm happy with how our players executed the game plan and they came out with confidence. Our play today was a big step up from Tuesday's game and I'm happy with that. I don't think the score reflects how well we played today."

The No. 13 Bulldogs fall to 8-12 (0-1 GCC) this season.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Tigers won the sprint to start the game, scoring to take a 1-0 lead. Guevremont found the back of the net to tie the game at 1-1. Pacific responded with another goal to retake the lead with 1:42 left in the quarter. Guevremont scored her second goal to tie the game 2-2 at the end of the first quarter.

Pacific opened the second quarter with back-to-back goals, taking a 4-2 lead with 5:08 left in the quarter. Claire Schade scored for the 'Dogs to make it a one-goal game. The Tigers then countered with a goal on a power play. Schade netted her second goal of the game with 2:09 left in the quarter to make it a 5-4 game. Pacific extended its lead to 6-4, scoring with 1:47 left. Callie Woodruff drew a penalty for the 'Dogs, resulting in a penalty shot. Guevremont took the penalty shot for Fresno State, and converted to give her a hat trick for the game. The Tigers would net one more before time expired to take a 7-5 lead into halftime.

The Tigers won the sprint to open the third quarter and struck first to take an 8-5 lead with 6:57 left in the quarter. The 'Dogs had an opportunity, but failed to convert a penalty shot. Pacific would extend its lead to four with another goal, for a 3-0 run. Emily Nicholson halted the run with a goal on a power play. The Tigers found an offensive spark to go on a 3-0 run, taking a 12-7 lead with 2:13 left in the quarter. Guevremont scored with six seconds left, the Bulldogs' last goal of the game.

Fresno State won its first sprint of the day to open the final quarter. The Tigers' offense netted four goals, and their defense held the 'Dogs scoreless in the final eight minutes. Pacific would finish with a 16-8 win over Fresno State.

SCORING
Pacific: 2, 5, 5, 4 | 16
Fresno State: 2, 3, 3, 0 | 8
Fresno State Goals: Guevremont 4, Nicholson 2, Schade 2

WHAT'S NEXT
Fresno State will continue conference play on the road next week, facing No. 22 Azusa Pacific on March 29 and No. 12 Loyola Marymount on March 30. The 'Dogs will return home to host San Diego State at the Aquatics Center on April 5.

"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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No. 13 Fresno State drops GCC opener to No. 7 Pacific, 16-8

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Players Mentioned

Daphne Guevremont

Emily Nicholson

Claire Schade

Callie Woodruff

Fresno State Athletics