Score sheet

HAYWARD, Calif. — In their final tune-up before a slew of important conference games, the Pioneer water polo team topped visiting Fresno State by a score of 12-6 on Saturday. Cal State East Bay (9-7) has now won nine straight over the Sunbirds (1-14) and extended its season-long winning streak to six games. Seven different Pioneers contributed to the scoring on a sunny day at Pioneer Pool, led by senior Claire Pierce's game-high four goals.

East Bay fell behind 2-0 early in the first quarter, but they were able to make a fast comeback by converting on a pair of 6-on-5's. Sara Hudyn's goal with 1:55 remaining in the period gave the Pioneers a 3-2 advantage after one.

The Sunbirds tied the game, 3-3, but starting goalkeeper Marrina Nation locked down on defense after that, holding FPU scoreless the rest of the half. The Pioneers got the lead back when Hudyn once again scored following a Sunbird kick out. Casey Rushforth found the back of the cage with 30 seconds left in the half to give East Bay a 5-3 lead at the break.

It was Mary Reardon's turn in goal for the second half. Fresno Pacific scored on their first possession, but she shut them out the entire rest of the quarter, allowing the Pioneer offense to extend the lead. Pierce picked up a pair of goals in the period, and it was 8-4 Pioneers heading to the fourth.

The Sunbirds were able to net a pair of goals early in the final quarter, but the Pioneers answered back each time, ultimately thwarting the comeback attempt. Allison Zell's goal with 3:47 left gave East Bay an 11-6 lead and essentially put the game away.

Nation and Reardon each played one half and each allowed three goals. Nation totaled five saves, while Reardon notched four. There were just six total kick outs called this afternoon, with only two coming against the Pioneers.

Hudyn and Rushforth both scored a pair of goals in the game. Zell, Julia Charlesworth, Hollie Mickelson, and Rita Ortega netted one apiece.

The Pioneers will put their win streak on the line next Friday at 12:30 p.m. when they travel to Rohnert Park to take on Sonoma State in their second official WWPA game of the season.