The Fresno State water polo team (15-10, 5-2 in GCC) failed to bring home hardware, losing 8-6 Loyola Marymount University (23-4, 7-0 in GCC) in the Golden Coast Conference Championship on Sunday, April 12 at the Fresno State Aquatic Center.
The Water ‘Dogs were led by the trio of Hailey Andress, Marit van der Kolk, and Riaan Bryant—combining for five of the ‘Dogs’ six total goals. However, it wasn’t enough to keep the Water ‘Dogs afloat, as they faltered in the second half of the matchup despite the two-point cushion heading into halftime.
The Lions’ resurgence was spearheaded by their suffocating defense and the duo of Emison Styris Anna Tarantino, who helped the Lions outscore the Water ‘Dogs 6-2 in the second half.
As the Lions continued to pepper the Water ‘Dogs’ goal, goalkeeper Katelyn Mobley recorded a stout 12 total saves, but the Lions’ swarming offense proved to be too much en route to the 8-6 Lion victory.
As a result of their performance, Andress and Mobley earned All-Tournament nods.
With the win, the Lions are crowned back-to-back GCC champions and earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Story written by Vincent Ordonio (FSM).