ROHNERT PARK, Calif.—There was no shortage of suspense at Dr. G Edward Rudloff Pool Friday afternoon as the Cal State Monterey Bay women's water polo season began. Five lead changes and 10 tie scores ultimately led to a 13-12 overtime setback to host Sonoma State.

Hayley Burke, Julie Cooper, Kylie Fields, Alex Tyrrell, and Jackie Walters led the Otters with two goals a piece.

“This was a very enjoyable game for spectators, coaches and players,” said CSUMB Head Coach Gary Figueroa. “I felt like we had the type of mistakes that can make us better.”

After the Seawolves took an early 2-0 advantage in the first quarter, the Otters got on the board when Walters found the back of the net at 3:28. The teams traded a couple goals to finish the quarter with SSU on top 3-2.

From that point, the two teams traded goals through the 2:30 mark of the third quarter. That's when Fields connected to tie the score at eight.

The fourth quarter saw Sonoma step in front with a 10-8 lead, making only the second time either team led by more than one goal. CSUMB scored three unanswered to take an 11-10 advantage into the games closing minutes.

SSU's Lindsay Rangel tied the contest dramatically with 46.9 seconds on the clock. Rangel scored a game-high four goals.

Overtime play was just as closely contested with the Otters getting the early advantage on a Walters goal 1:28 into overtime play to make the score 12-11. That was the last lead CSUMB would see as SSU closed out overtime with two goals and the win.

CSUMB travels to Fresno Pacific for doubleheader action tomorrow. The Otters will face Azusa Pacific at 12:30 p.m. followed by a 3:00 p.m. first sprint versus host FPU.

“We're focused on what we're trying to do and continuing the momentum of our play at Sonoma,” said Figueroa.

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CSUMB             2-5-1-3 l 1-0= 12

SONOMA ST    3-4-2-2 l 0-2= 13


CSUMB GOALS: Hayley Burke 2, Julie Cooper 2, Kylie Fields 2, Alex Tyrrell 2, Jackie Walters 2, Nicole Koorndyk 1, Ashton Palmer 1.

SSU GOALS: Lindsay Rangel 4, Alexa May 3, Jessica Stansfield 2, Jessica Becker 1, Laura Kunz 1, Brittney Hummel 1, Noelle Herrera 1.

CSUMB SAVES: Amanda Jennings 21.