SEASIDE, Calif. - The Cal State Monterey Bay women's water polo team earned the No.6 seed, their highest in program history, as they head to the Western Water Polo Association's Championship Tournament. The Otters begin play Friday, Apr. 27 at 3 p.m. as they take on the Roadrunners of Cal State Bakersfield. Tournament play continues through Sunday Apr. 29.

COACH'S CORNER WITH GARY FIGUEROA: “This week is obviously a very exciting week for Otter Polo as we prepare for our conference championships. Team defense and movement on offense are the main focus. Out first game against CSU Bakersfield is job one. All indications are very positive that we will bring our best effort.”

FIRST TIME FOR FIRST TEAM: Senior Nikki Smart currently leads both the team and the WWPA in goals scored (100). Smart was recognized by the coaches of the conference and named first team All-WWPA announced Tuesday, Apr. 24. This marks the first time a member of the Otter water polo team has received this honor.

ONE AWAY FROM RECORD: With only a couple games remaining, the 2012 squad is just one win shy of tying the programs all time single-season win record of 18, set in 2008.

WWPA STANDINGS BREAKDOWN: CSUMB finished the regular season in the top half of the WWPA (17-13, 6-7 WWPA) as one of only five teams playing at or above 500. Sitting amoung the likes of No. 7 Loyola Marymount, No. 19 UC San Diego, Cal State Bakersfield, and Cal State East Bay.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR: Meeting the Roadrunners at the Conference Tournament is not too difficult for the Otters to picture. The two teams met at this time last year when CSUMB pulled off a thrilling overtime victory over Cal State Bakersfield to secure the seventh place finish, earning their highest conference placement to date.

OTTER PLAYMAKER: Junior Jackie Walters has been the team leader in assists during the regular season, compiling a total 45 respectively. Walters recorded a single game season-high of four assists twice this season (Santa Clara on Feb. 4 and Claremont on March 2 at CSUSB).

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