Box Score: CSUEB 13, CLU 6 - F

HAYWARD, Calif. – Cal State East Bay women's water polo earned its first home win of the season with a 13-6 triumph over Cal Lutheran on Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers erased an early first quarter deficit scoring six unanswered while the defense held the Regals to just three goals over the final three quarters.

Cal Lutheran (1-1) was coming off a road win over Cal State Monterey Bay on Friday, a team the Pioneers fell to earlier this season. The Regals eyed another win over a Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) squad taking a 3-1 first quarter lead.

The East Bay defense held CLU scoreless over the next 14-plus minutes while taking command of the game. Taylor Cross tied the game up late in the half with two second quarter goals, and Alyssa Hess put the Pioneers out front with nine seconds remaining until the break.

"After the first quarter I was very pleased with our defensive rhythm. Our communication stepped up and we were able to take advantage of our opportunities," praised East Bay Head Coach Lisa Cooper.

Cal Lutheran managed only 17 shots overall, compared to more than double that amount at 36 attempts by the hosts. The main reason for the low volume of attempts came courtesy of 21 Pioneers steals in the game. Junior Casey Rushforth finished with a season-high 10 steals, to go along with three assists and one goal.

"In the first quarter we were trying to be perfect with our shots and hit top corners. In the second quarter our plays started to work, we were communicating, and we worked really well together," said Rushforth.

Freshman goalkeeper Miranda Diehm was up to the task making five saves in her first collegiate start. Battling through pregame nerves heading into the match, she impressed the coaching staff with Saturday's effort.

"Miranda had a huge block on a penalty shot which gave her confidence. She did great and I am really proud of the way she played," Cooper added.

Arguably her biggest block of the game came on a second quarter penalty shot in the midst of the eventual game changing scoring run. She stopped two-time All-American Jordan Card's shot and continued to frustrate the Regals offense.

Cal Lutheran closed out the final two minutes of the third quarter with a pair of 6-on-5 goals as Cal State East Bay held a 7-5 edge with eight minutes to go. The Pioneers went on their second 6-0 scoring run of the game to open the fourth and pull away for the win.

Sabrina Hatzer led all players with three goals including the first two of the latter scoring run. Bre Ritter, Hess, and Mackell each scored on a fourth quarter 6-on-5 as the Pioneers finished 3-of-7 for the game. Ritter tied for the team lead with three assists, and Mackell led the club with three drawn exclusions.

Shelbie Higginson scored her first goal of the season and second in her career with a fourth quarter score. Amy Chinn picked up her second assist of the season as Mackell scored the Pioneers final goal.

CLU's Card and Kaylee Kastrup combined to draw seven exclusions in the game. Lauren Shackelford led the Regals with two goals. Goalkeeper Gina Merry made five stops and grabbed two steals in the loss.

Cal State East Bay (3-6) will play a pair of games at the Sullivan Aquatic Center on Saturday, Feb. 21, against host Santa Clara and No. 9 Indiana.