FRESNO, CALIF.—A pair of closely contested losses to rival Sonoma State earlier this season were weighing like a monkey on the back of the Cal State Monterey Bay women's water polo team. On Sunday afternoon, the Otters avenged those earlier defeats with a 7-6 comeback win over the Seawolves. In the process CSUMB earned a third place finish at the CCAA Tournament.

Alex Tyrrell (Wildomar, Calif./Elsinore HS) added to her strong performance over the weekend with two more goals. The senior had a team-high seven for the tournament. Christina Keller (Agoura Hills, Calif./Agoura HS) and Julie Cooper (Wildomar, Calif./Elsinore HS) each added a pair of goals as well.

Senior Paige Robinson (San Jose, Calif./Lynbrook HS) recorded 10 saves.

There has been no shortage of drama when these two teams meet; it was no different on Sunday afternoon. SSU built a 5-3 advantage after one quarter, getting a goal from five different players.

Both teams traded a goal in the second, making it 6-4 at the half.

Keller and Tyrell scored a goal in the third while the Otter defense stymied SSU possessions to send the game to the fourth tied at 6-6.

Once again, it was Tyrrell who would come up big when the Otters needed it as the senior netted the only goal of the fourth to clinch a 7-6 victory for CSUMB.

Tyrrell and Jackie Walters (San Diego, Calif./La Jolla HS) were named to the All-CCAA Tournament first-team. Keller received second-team honors.

CSUMB continues its foray in postseason play with their third trip to Santa Clara this season. The Otters will compete in the WWPA Championships beginning Friday, April 26.


CSUMB           3-1-2-1= 7
SSU                 5-1-0-0= 6

CSUMB GOALS: Alex Tyrrell 2, Christina Keller 2, Julie Cooper 2, Samantha Whitecotton 1.

CSUMB SAVES: Paige Robinson 10.