#24 CSUN Drops Big West Home Opener to #8 UC Irvine

Friday, March 15

Northridge, Calif.

12:00 p.m.

California State University at Northridge

16-11, 0-2

#8 UC Irvine

12-9, 1-1

UC Irvine

CSUN

Photo by: Connor Clark

#24 CSUN Drops Big West Home Opener to #8 UC Irvine

3/15/2024 3:12:00 PM | Women's Water Polo

Box Score

NORTHRIDGE, Calif.---No. 24 CSUN Water Polo dropped a 15-8 decision to No. 8 UC Irvine on Friday afternoon at Matador Pool. Helena Sandhagen and Anna Pal had two goals apiece to lead the offense while Meghan Lopez finished with seven saves on the day.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Grace Helberg opened up the scoring on the game's first possession before Shelby Hovanesian evened the match with a goal off a power play. UCI though took control after the opening minute, scoring four times with three off CSUN exclusions. Libby Alexander began the 4-0 run followed by goals from Jensine Bugelli, Brooke Hourigan and Maja Layden for a 5-1 Anteater lead. CSUN would turn things around in the second quarter, outscoring UCI 3-2 in the eight-minute session. Pal began the scoring for CSUN on a 6-on-5 opportunity with 5:39 on the clock. After Airian Grisham registered a goal, Dorottya Telek struck the netting with 2:27 left in the first half. Lopez left her post and scored a buzzer beater to bring CSUN to within 7-4 at halftime.

Kianna Melvin brought CSUN closer with a goal to open the third period, bringing the Matadors to within two. UCI would have an answer though as Hourigan and Gracie Helberg hit the net in succession. Sandhagen netted a pair of goals in the third period, but CSUN trailed 12-7 after three quarters. UCI would put the game away in the final period, outscoring CSUN 3-1. Pal netted CSUN's final tally with 3:18 left to play.

NOTES OF THE GAME

CSUN falls to 16-11 overall and 0-2 in Big West play while UC Irvine improves to 12-9 overall and 1-1 in conference.
Jenna Olson and Telek had two assists apiece in the match while Leah Huisar posted two steals.
Telek has now scored a team-high 83 goals on the season.

ACCORDING TO COACH MATT WARSHAW
"Fairly good showing from us today, we wanted to control the time of possession and we did that. Playing the number eight ranked team really shows what we're capable of. We just need to execute a little better."

UP NEXT
CSUN hits the road for a match against Hawai'i on Saturday, March 23.

#GoMatadors