Box Score: CSUEB 6, SSU 4 - F

HAYWARD, Calif. – Cal State East Bay defended its home tank on Friday afternoon earning a 6-4 victory over fellow Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) member Sonoma State. Goalkeeper Marrina Nation made 13 saves and Simonne Call scored two first quarter goals to give the Pioneers a lead they would hold to the final horn.

A low scoring game with only seven exclusions and one penalty called meant lots of swimming and very few premium scoring chances. Both goalkeepers added to the pace of the game as Andrea Mallul made 11 stops and Nation blocked 13.

Nation was up to the task early stopping a first quarter 5-meter penalty shot to keep the game scoreless. Sonoma State (7-15) cashed in on 2-of-3 power play chances but was held to only two goals when at even strength.

The only first quarter scoring came courtesy of 6-on-5's with Call converting a pair in the final minute of the period. The goals would prove pivotal as Cal State East Bay drew just three exclusions in the game.

Taylor Cross scored to open the second quarter and capped off three straight offensive possessions in which Cal State East Bay scored. Nayiri Kechichian added a goal in the final 10 seconds of the first half to give the host Pioneers a 4-2 edge at halftime.

The teams traded goals over the final 9:26 of regulation starting with a power play goal from Sonoma State's Kaysie Lewis. The Seawolves would close their deficit to a single goal on three separate occasions but were unable to pull even.

Tori Dettloff scored early in the fourth quarter and Sabrina Hatzer provided the final goal of the game with 3:28 left in the fourth quarter. Hatzer completed a perfect 3-of-3 day for the Pioneers power play. Call and Casey Rushforth each finished with a game-high two assists in the victory.

Cal State East Bay (11-12) will face Cal State Monterey Bay (5-13) in Seaside on Saturday, March 28, at Noon.