February 5, 2011

SEASIDE, Calif. – The Cal State Monterey Bay women's water polo team pulled off a come from behind 9-8 victory against Fresno Pacific on Saturday afternoon.  Earlier in the day, the Otters dropped a 13-8 decision to NCAA Division I Santa Clara University.

Junior #Nikki Smart# led the Otters with a total of five goals on the day.  Senior #Katie Sowul# notched four goals with #Ali Woollett# adding three goals.

Sophomore goalkeeper #Christina Vournas# finished with 25 saves, three steals and one assist. Smart went 7-for-7 on the sprints.

The Otters return to the pool on Sunday, Feb. 13 to host NCAA Division I Arizona State at 11 a.m.

Game 3 – Santa Clara 13, CSUMB 8

The first half was pretty even with three tied scores and ended at 4-4 at the break. 

The Broncos had a big third quarter, racking up five goals to CSUMB's two.  Santa Clara added four more goals in the final quarter while the Otters notched two.

Smart finished with four goals against SCU, including a penalty goal in the first quarter.

Game 2 – CSUMB 9, Fresno Pacific 8

After a slow start, the Otters closed the first half with a goal by Tanya Mullen to make it 6-4 Sunbirds.

The Otters tied it up 7-7 before taking their first lead of the game on Sowul's goal in the opening minute of the fourth quarter.

The Sunbirds tied it on a rebound shot by K Rayner with five minutes remaining. Ali Woollett's goal with only 1:49 secured a CSUMB victory.