BOX SCORE

LA JOLLA, Calif. — A miracle comeback nearly gave the Cal State Monterey Bay water polo team a signature win to cap the 2018 season before Sonoma State rallied to take a 9–8, sudden victory decision Sunday in the third place match of the WWPA Championship Tournament at UC San Diego's Canyonview Aquatics Center.

The loss gives CSUMB a fourth–place finish, matching its best–ever finish in the postseason. The Otters entered the tournament as the No. 6 seed.

CSUMB trailed 7–4 before scoring three goals in the final 2:35 of regulation to force overtime. When Megan Dahlson (Esperanza HS) scored on the power play in the first overtime period, CSUMB had an 8–7 advantage and could taste victory.

But Sonoma answered with the equalizer midway through the second overtime to force a third, golden goal extra period. The Seawolves need just 31 seconds to cash in the first opportunity to end the game.

"That was a great game to end our season on. While we all wish it had a different outcome, we played a great game," said CSUMB Head Coach Emily Schmitt. "It was fun to watch everyone step up and play a complete game. I am sad to be losing (lone Otter senior) Lucy Gates, but I'm also looking forward to see what this group can do next year."

Nicole Lyckfors (Alameda HS), Morgan Tucker (San Diego/Clairemont HS) and Olivia Woolery (San Diego/Clairemont HS) scored two goals apiece to lead the Otter offense. Angela Steele (Agoura HS) added three assists and three steals while Shelby Stephens (San Joaquin Delta College) made nine saves.

Gates earned first team All–WWPA Tournament honors while Woolery was a second team selection.