FINAL BOX

HAYWARD, Calif. — The Cal State East Bay water polo team dropped a close, hard-fought overtime contest to No. RV Santa Clara, 15-13, Friday evening at Pioneer Pool.

CSUEB held a 12-11 lead heading into the fourth quarter, but the Pioneers' scoring slowed down late. Santa Clara scored one goal in the fourth quarter, two in the first overtime period and each team scored one goal in the final overtime period.

Junior Adrien Van Dyke had a spectacular game for the Pioneers, finishing with five goals, three assists and three steals, but was hit with her third exclusion during the first overtime period and was forced to watch the rest of the game from the sidelines.

Fellow junior Payton Bosque finished with three goals and three steals, while senior Auriel Bill recorded three goals, including CSUEB's lone score in overtime.

Sophomore goalkeeper Daniela Passoni tallied 12 saves in the cage, junior Maci Taylor added two assists and senior Briana Ruiz had three steals.

The thrilling contest was tied 3-3 after the first quarter and was knotted at halftime, 7-7. Santa Clara (4-4) made it 12-12 in the fourth quarter on Katie Francis' goal with 5:38 left to play in regulation.

Cal State East Bay (1-5) returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 15, as the Pioneers resume Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) play at Fresno Pacific beginning at 1 p.m.