LA JOLLA, Calif. - A goal by No. 7 Long Beach State with under a minute to play proved to be the difference on Sunday morning as the Fresno State water polo dropped a hard-fought contest against the Beach, 8-7 in the fifth-place match at the Triton Invitational.
Fresno State (4-7) was led in scoring with six goals from Hailey Andress with Cynthia Rosa adding the 'Dogs other goal.
In four matches in the tournament, Andress totaled 12 goals and now has 20 on the season while Brooke Ochoa totaled nine in the tournament and leads the team with 23.
How It Happened
After a scoreless opening quarter, the 'Dogs took a 3-2 lead to the break after a goal by Andress with one second left in the second quarter.
Back-to-back goals from Andress midway through the third quarter put the Bulldogs up a pair, 5-3, but two goals from LBSU tied the match at five apiece after three quarters.
A goal by Andress tied the match at 7-7 with 1:44 to play, but a goal by the Beach's Anne De Kleer a minute later with 0:44 left was the game-winner.
Quote
Head Coach Natalie Benson
"These past three weekends have been extremely competitive, high pressure and have been incredible learning experiences for our young team. We were able to play at a very high level and performed very well against some great teams. I am proud of this group for their heart and resiliency and I am excited to see what we are capable of as we progress through the remainder of the season."
Up next
The 'Dogs are off next weekend before returning to the pool at home on Feb. 18 against Biola at 1 p.m. at the Fresno State Invite.