FRESNO, Calif. — The Cal State East Bay water polo team began conference play on a high note Saturday afternoon, earning a road win over Fresno Pacific, 13-9, at Sunnyside Aquatics Complex.

The contest was technically the first Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) game of the season for both sides, as Cal State East Bay (2-5, 1-0 WWPA) earned its second of three scheduled matchups this season against Fresno Pacific (0-8, 0-1).

Senior Auriel Bill exploded with eight goals, including two in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory. The Estevan, SK, Canada native also had an assist.

"It was an absolute dominating performance by Auri," said CSUEB head coach Lisa Cooper.
 
Junior Payton Bosque recorded her second-straight three-goal performance this weekend for the Pioneers, while senior Briana Ruiz and junior Leti Mosqueda had one goal apiece.

Sophomore goalkeeper Daniela Passoni racked up nine saves to earn the win, and junior Adrien Van Dyke tallied two assists.

The Pioneers raced out to an early lead as Bill scored five goals in the first period alone. Her seventh came on a five-meter penalty shot to put CSUEB on top 7-3 with 7:30 remaining in the first half.

Bosque's goal off an assist from freshman Jordan Jarandson helped the Pioneers take a 11-5 lead into halftime.

Cal State East Bay continues WWPA play next weekend, as the Pioneers hit the road to face Sonoma State on Saturday, Feb. 22, beginning at 1 p.m.