LA JOLLA, Calif. – Earning their best conference placing in program history, the Cal State Monterey Bay women's water polo team fought Cal State East Bay for a third place finish, dropping a very close 7-6 decision to the Pioneers. The Otters earned fourth in conference, out doing their previous best finish of sixth.

CSUMB was led by senior Nikki Smart (Clovis/Buchanan HS), who finished the weekend with a total of 13 goals. Smart was recognized by the conference coaches and received first team All-Tournament. Teammate Julie Cooper (Wildomar/Elsinore HS) was honored with second team selection.

“What a great weekend for Otter water polo, says head coach Gary Figueroa. “I wish everyone could have been here to appreciate the heart, tenacity, courage and poise of our young women. Well done and thank you team for 'going where we have never gone before”.

The Otters came out strong defensively, only allowing the Pioneers to get one of their first ten shot attempts through the goal line. The two teams matched each other both in the first quarter, and again in the fourth, with just one goal apiece.

CSUMB worked their movement in the front court  while on offense, earning two five meter penalty shots out of the middle, with junior Jackie Walters (San Diego/La Jolla HS) earning both calls. Smart and classmate Katie Sowul (Anaheim/Esperanza HS) each had an opportunity to finish with the goal. The Otters took a 4-3 lead into halftime.

The two teams battled it out in the third, not allowing a single goal until five minutes had past. Cal State East Bay took their first lead of the game, as they outscored the Otters 3-1. This lead would ultimately give CSUEB the push to take home the win.

CSUMB scored off of their first possession of the fourth quarter, but they were unable to net another for the remainder of the game and the Pioneers finished on top at 7-6.

 
CSUMB                 1 – 3 – 1 – 1 = 6
CSUEB                   1 – 2 – 3 – 1 = 7
CSUMB GOALS: Smart 3, Sowul 1, Vournas 1, Walters 1