January 31, 2010

San Jose, Calif. - The Cal State Monterey Bay women's water polo team finished the Spartan Invitational with a bang. The Otters won their last game of the tournament against No. 18 University of the Pacific,8-7,  marking the first time in program history that they have beaten a NCAA nationally ranked team.

For the weekend, the Otters were led by juniors #Nikki Smart# and #Katie Sowul# who notched six goals apiece. Senior #Alex Vespremi#  scored three goals, and classmate #Chloe McRae# added two more. Sophomore goalie #Christina Vournas# was credited with a total 27 saves.

Against Pacific, the Otters struck first by scoring five goals in the first quarter, out scoring the Tigers by two. Pacific kept the pressure on by only allowing three more goals for the remainder of the game. CSUMB's strong defense led the Otters to victory.

Saturday, Jan. 29
GAME 1:
Cal State Monterey Bay: 0-0-0-1= 1
Cal: 5-4-3-6= 18

CSUMB Goals: Sowul (1).

Saves: Vournas (3), Robinson (3)

GAME 2:
Cal State Monterey Bay: 1-2-3-1= 7
UC Davis: 6-5-5-4= 20

CSUMB Goals: Smart (3), Sowul (2), McRae, Mullen.

Saves: Vournas (9).

Sunday, Jan. 30
GAME 3:
Cal State Monterey Bay: 1-2-0-1= 4
San Jose State: 4-3-5-2= 14

CSUMB Goals: Vespremi (2), Smart, Sowul.

Saves: Vournas (8).

GAME 4:
Cal State Monterey Bay: 5-1-1-1= 8
University of Pacific: 3-1-2-1= 7

CSUMB Goals: Smart (2), Sowul (2), Cooper, McRae, Tyrrell, Vespremi.

Saves: Vournas (7).

The Otters return home on Saturday, to host Santa Clara and Fresno Pacific.Game times are 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.