LA JOLLA, Calif. – The No. 6 seeded Cal State Monterey Bay women's water polo team pulled off a thrilling 10-9 first round victory over third seeded Cal State Bakersfield at the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) Tournament Championships, hosted by UC San Diego. The Otters are guaranteed a top four finish with two games remaining in the tournament.

CSUMB started the game with two exciting goals back-to-back by senior Nikki Smart (Clovis/Buchanan HS), one off of a five-meter ejection call drawn by Jackie Walters (San Diego/La Jolla HS). CSUMB held their highest lead of the game at 3-1, but Cal State Bakersfield made a small comeback to even the score at four goals apiece.

The Roadrunners built a little bit of momentum taking a 6-5 lead into half time, but that was short lived as the Otters came out with a goal by Smart just 30 seconds into the second half to tie the game, again, at 6. CSUMB regained the lead shortly after with a quick outside shot by Christina Vournas (Agoura Hills/Agoura HS).

The two teams would go back and forth, but the Otters defense would come up with key stops to push their offense and see goals by Alex Tyrell (Wildomar/Elsinore HS) and Julie Cooper (Wildomar/Elsinore HS) to push the Otters to a close 8-7 lead to take to the final eight minutes of play.

CSUMB fought start to finish, earning all four sprints.

The Roadrunners had an extended offensive opportunity late to try to regain the lead, but Smart came out with a big steal from CSUB perimeter passing, leading to a key possession with just under two minutes remaining.

The Otters scored the go-ahead goal off of a 6-on-5 possession drawn by Katie Sowul (Anaheim/Esperanza). The goal came from the lefty side by junior Jackie Walters.

CSUMB's first round win takes them into the Semi Finals where they will face the hosting Tritons of UC San Diego on Saturday, Apr. 28 at 1:30 p.m. The two teams have only one previous meeting this season, at the Bronco Invite.



CSUMB    4 - 1 - 3 - 2 = 10
CSUB        4 - 2 - 1 - 2 = 9

CSUMB GOALS: Smart 3, Tyrrell 2, Cooper 2, Walters, Vournas 1
CSUMB SAVES: Jennings 6, Robinson 5