Box Score: BRA 15, CSUEB 6 - F

HAYWARD, Calif. – Cal State East Bay women's water polo battled the Brazilian National Team to a 15-6 defeat in Monday's exhibition match at Pioneer Pool. Casey Rushforth and Ka'iliponi McGee each scored twice and goalkeeper Marrina Nation made nine saves in the team's home debut.

"That was a great experience for our team. I am proud of the way we played," said East Bay Head Coach Lisa Cooper following the friendly. "It was a fun game. Playing a team of that caliber teaches us a lot and we will be able to build on it."

Nation came out strong with four first quarter saves in holding Brazil to just two goals over the opening eight minutes. Lefty senior Alyssa Hess put away the Pioneers first 6-on-5 opportunity of the match cutting the deficit to 2-1 at the end of the frame.

The East Bay offense got rolling in the second quarter with Rushforth scoring both of her goals in the period. Her second came on a backhand from two meters on the team's final possession as the Pioneers remained in striking distance trailing 7-4 at the half.

Sabrina Hatzer scored for the first time at Pioneer Pool with a cross cage lob early in the third quarter. However Brazil responded with three unanswered goals which sparked a 7-1 run to close out the game.

McGee put away a player advantage opportunity for her first of two goals as the Pioneers finished 2-of-9 on the day. Olivia Mackell and Hess drew three exclusions apiece to set up six of the team's nine chances overall.

The East Bay defense held Brazil to just 2-of-7 conversions heading into the fourth quarter, but the Brazilians cashed in on 3-of-4 chances over the final eight minutes.

Nation played three quarters and stopped or redirected many point blank scoring chances. She gave way to teammate Miranda Diehm who made three fourth quarter saves.

Flavia Vigna led Brazil with four goals, scoring one in each quarter. Luiza Carvalho finished with three scores and was one of five Brazilian's to net multiple goals.

Manuela Canetti and Tess Oliveira each made four saves in the first and second halves, respectively.

Cal State East Bay will host Cal State Monterey Bay on Saturday, Jan. 24, at Noon.