#24 CSUN Upsets #14 UC Davis on the Road in Regular Season Finale

Saturday, April 13

Davis, Calif.

12:00 p.m.

California State University at Northridge

18-14, 2-5

#14 UC Davis

8-17, 0-5

CSUN

UC Davis

Photo by: Steve Fitzgerald

#24 CSUN Upsets #14 UC Davis on the Road in Regular Season Finale

4/13/2024 5:37:00 PM | Women's Water Polo

Box Score

DAVIS, Calif.---No. 24 CSUN Water Polo wrapped up the regular season with a 7-6 upset of No. 14 UC Davis on Saturday afternoon at Schaal Aquatics Center. Anna Pal scored a game-high four goals while Dorottya Telek added two tallies including the game-deciding goal in the closing moments. Meghan Lopez racked up 12 saves on the day to go with two steals.

CSUN's win over UC Davis is the program's first win over the Aggies since May 1, 2016, and the first victory in Davis since March 30, 2014.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Aggies took the lead three minutes into the first quarter before Pal evened the match on the ensuing possession. A power play allowed the Aggies to take a 2-1 lead, but Telek hit the net in the closing seconds of the first period. Pal continued to power CSUN's offense with two tallies in the second period while the Aggies picked up late goals from Sam Yoo and Ali Giusti to lead by a slim 5-4 margin at halftime.

The Matadors' defense would be the story in the second half. CSUN turned away two UC Davis power plays in posting a shutout third period. Meanwhile, Valeria Martinez hit the net with 47 seconds on the clock to square the game at 5-5. In another defensive struggle in the fourth period, Pal scored on a power play at the three-minute mark and Telek added another a minute later for a 7-5 lead. CSUN withstood several Aggie shot attempts before giving up a penalty shot from Grace Pelkey with under a minute to play. The Matadors though held firm in the closing moments to secure the 7-6 win.

NOTES OF THE GAME

CSUN improves to 18-14 overall and 2-5 in Big West play while UC Davis slips to 8-17 overall and 0-5 in conference.
Telek finished with two steals and one assist while Nicole Thomas chipped in with two assists.
Pal added one assist and one steal to go with her four goals.
CSUN posted its highest ranked win since beating No. 14 San Diego State on Feb. 25, 2018.

ACCORDING TO COACH MATT WARSHAW
"This team continues to battle adversity and prove that they are capable of anything. Knocking of the No. 14 UC Davis team on the road was a complete team effort. Amazing to watch them compete, follow the game plan and play for each other. A great way to close out the conference regular season."

UP NEXT
CSUN now sets its sights on the postseason and the 2024 Big West Water Polo Championships in two weeks held at UC Davis. The Matadors play their first-round match on Friday, April 26 against an opponent to be determined.

#GoMatadors