SEASIDE, Calif.- The Cal State Monterey Bay women's water polo team made a strong appearance at the Sunnyside Aquatics Complex Saturday afternoon with a 17-7 win over Azusa Pacific followed by a 15-6 victory against the hosting Sunbirds of Fresno Pacific.
 
“The team made positive forward steps today,” says Head Coach Gary Figueroa. “We learned just how important it really is to stay disciplined to our game plan and support each other along the way.”
 
CSUMB defense proved to hold strong only allowing 13 total goals over the entire afternoon. Sophomore goalie Paige Robinson recorded 19 total blocks and freshman Amanda Jennings added another 14 of her own.
 
Game 1:
 The Otters started with an impressive first half, taking a 14-2 lead over Azusa Pacific after only 16 minutes of play.
 
Nine Otters would record goals against the Cougars. Seniors Nikki Smart and Katie Sowul would each finish with five goals respectively.
 
 
CSUMB              6 – 8 – 2 – 1 = 17
Azusa Pacific     1 – 1 – 2 – 3 = 7
 
CSUMB Goals: Smart 5, Sowul 5, Tyrrell, Vournas, Cooper, Fredle, Burke, Palmer, Walters
 
CSUMB Goalie Saves: Robinson 7, Jennings 7
 
 
Game 2:
 After building a 6-1 lead in the first quarter, the Sunbirds would attempt  a comeback, scoring equal with the Otters at four a piece to make it 10-5 at half.
 
CSUMB would have a dominating second half, not allowing Fresno Pacific to score until their final point in the fourth to make it a 15-6 Otter victory.
 
 
CSUMB               6 – 4 – 4 – 1 = 15
Fresno Pacific    1 – 4 – 0 – 1 = 6
 
CSUMB Goals: Smart 6, Sowul 4, Walters 2, Cooper, Fields
 
CSUMB Goalie Saves: Robinson 12, Jennings 7
 
The CSUMB water polo team returns to the Otter Tank Friday, Jan. 27 to host WWPA conference opponent Loyola Marymount with a 10 am start time. The Otters then head to Berkley for the NorCal Tournament hosted by Cal on Saturday, Jan. 28.