Box Score (PDF)

HAYWARD, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay water polo team prevailed over Santa Clara in its home opener Saturday by a final score of 11-10 on a gorgeous afternoon at Pioneer Pool.

Auriel Bill's third goal of the day with 3:10 left in the fourth quarter proved to be the game-winner in a thrilling back-and-forth contest. The Pioneers improve to 2-1 this season with their second straight victory, while the Division I Broncos drop to 1-2.

In front of an excellent crown in the Hayward hills, East Bay and SCU played about as tight of a game as you'll see. They traded goals through all four periods, with neither squad leading by more than two at any point.

The Broncos got on the board first in the opening quarter, but Cheyenne Brady quickly evened the score as the Pioneers converted a 6-on-5 advantage. After another SCU goal, Bill assisted on two straight scores by freshmen Adrien Van Dyke and Ivanna Anderson to give East Bay its first lead.

The visitors notched two goals in the final two minutes to snag a 4-3 lead after one period, then took their biggest lead of the game by scoring the first goal of the second. Trailing 5-3 and without a goal through the first four minutes of the second quarter, it was CSUEB's turn to flip the momentum. Bill, Brittany Smith, and Maci Taylor all found the back of the cage before halftime as the Pioneers evened the score at 6-6.

Smith quickly scored again to open the second half, and then Leilani Vazquez put East Bay up 8-6 two minutes later with her first goal of the game. The Broncos answered, but Briana Ruiz took advantage of a Bronco exclusion with a power-play goal to maintain a 9-7 lead for the home team after three quarters. 

Bill scored her second goal in the opening minute of the fourth, but Santa Clara came out aggressively as well. The Broncos answered Bill with two quick goals, and the teams once again found themselves knotted up at 10-10 with six minutes to play.

Neither team could break the tie until Bill finally hit the back of the cage to secure the hat trick with just over three minutes left. East Bay's defense held over the last several possessions and didn't allow a goal in the final six minutes to seal the narrow win.

Makenna Nation picked up a well-earned victory in goal, racking up a season-high 11 saves. Ruiz and Bill both recorded a pair of assists. Eight different players scored for the Pioneers, led by Bill with three and Smith with two.

CSUEB will hopefully be able to carry some momentum from this satisfying win into their trip to La Jolla next week, which will feature perhaps their toughest slate of games of the season. After taking on defending WWPA champion and No. 16 ranked UC San Diego on Friday, Feb. 9, East Bay will play four games over the weekend at UCSD's Triton Invitational, starting with No. 6 Arizona State in the opening round Saturday.