FINAL BOX

HAYWARD, Calif. — The No. RV Cal State East Bay water polo team overcame an early deficit to win its season opener against Fresno Pacific, 14-12, Saturday afternoon at Pioneer Pool.

Senior and 2019 WWPA Co-Player of the Year Auriel Bill led the way with four goals, two assists and three steals, junior Adrien Van Dyke also scored four goals with two steals, junior Payton Bosque finished with three goals and two assists, while junior Natalee Lamie had three goals and a steal.

In addition, sophomore goalkeeper Daniela Passoni tallied 11 saves to earn the victory in the net.

CSUEB (1-0) trailed 5-1 early on and found itself behind at the end of the first period, 6-2. 

The Pioneers stormed back with five goals in the second quarter, highlighted by three in the period by Bosque to cut Fresno Pacific's halftime lead to 8-7.

Bill scored twice in the third and Lamie's goal with just two second left in the third quarter put the Pioneers ahead 11-10 entering the fourth. 

With the scored knotted 12-12, a goal by Van Dyke off an assist from Maddie Wittkowske with 3:06 to go put Cal State East Bay on top for good.

The Pioneers outshot the Sunbirds 39-33, and went 5-for-8 on powerplay opportunities while holding the Fresno Pacific (0-3) to 0-for-5. 

Cal State East Bay returns to action next weekend at the Cross Conference Challenge hosted by Arizona State, as the Pioneers take on Hawai'i on Friday, Jan. 31, beginning at 9:30 a.m. PT.