#25 CSUN Earns Split at CBU to Close Opening Weekend

Saturday, January 31

Riverside, Calif.

10:00 a.m.

California State University at Northridge

2-0, 0-0

#23 California Baptist

3-2, 0-0

CSUN

California Baptist

Photo by: Steve Fitzgerald

#25 CSUN Earns Split at CBU to Close Opening Weekend

1/31/2026 8:56:00 PM | Women's Water Polo

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

RIVERSIDE, Calif.---No. 25 CSUN Water Polo earned a split on Saturday, falling to No. 23 California Baptist 17-14 in the morning match and defeating Biola 12-10 at Lancer Aquatics Center. Freshman Mira Dravucz led the way in scoring by notching six combined goals on the day. The goalkeeping tandem of Kianna Kellner and Marin Byars combined for 10 saves in the win over Biola.

CSUN-CBU RECAP
Sofia Martinez and Sophia Cooper scored the Matadors' first two tallies as the score was deadlocked at 2-2 through seven minutes. Georgia Eccles though broke the tie with a late goal in the first quarter for a CBU 3-2 lead. The Lancers extended to a 5-2 lead early in the second quarter until Ashley Strickland hit the net on consecutive possessions. At the 4:15 mark, Strickland scored again on a 6-on-5 advantage, evening the match at 5-5. CBU though reclaimed the lead late in the first half, scoring via shots from Bella Raynes and Emmie Ramirez to go in front 7-5 at the break.

The Matadors missed out on a penalty shot early in the third period but found the net on a Lucie Lapuz strike to pull to within 8-6. The back-and-forth game continued with each side trading tallies as Dravucz pulled CSUN to within 11-10 only to have Reese Beringer strike the net for a 12-10 CBU lead through 24 minutes. In the fourth period, CSUN opened up with back-to-back tallies from Dravucz and Kianna Melvin to draw even at 12-12. The Lancers regained the lead, but Dravucz kept up her scoring spree with another goal for a 13-13 tie with 5:37 to go. However, CBU took control down the stretch, going on a crucial 4-0 run. Dravucz scored late for CSUN but it was not enough to close the gap in a 17-14 loss.

CSUN-BIOLA RECAP
After a three-minute scoreless start to the first quarter, Ella Furuholmen opened the scoring for CSUN on a power play. Biola would even the game up, but Strickland and Jade Cuevas found the net for a 3-1 lead through eight minutes. Early in the second period, Dravucz scored on a five-meter penalty shot while Lapuz netted a shot on a power play for a 5-1 lead. Biola would score the next two goals, but Marjorie Kruger and Lapuz netted back-to-back goals for CSUN. The Matadors took a 7-4 lead into intermission after a late strike from Biola.

The Eagles would battle back into the game with two straight goals to open the third period. CSUN though drew two crucial five-meter penalties with Cooper and Mackenzie Wood denting the twine each. A Biola goal from Gwendolyn Pidd cut the deficit to 9-7 through three periods before Myah Ibarra scored to open the fourth, bringing the Eagles to within one. With five minutes to go, Martinez took over the game for CSUN, scoring two straight goals and adding a clutch tally with 1:45 to go to keep the Matadors in front 12-9. Pidd closed the scoring for the game, but the Matadors came away with the win.

NOTES OF THE GAMES

CSUN improved to 3-1 on the season with Saturday's results.
Dravucz scored five goals in the morning match against California Baptist while Strickland had a hat trick. Martinez had four assists to go with a goal in the match.
Erika Staine produced 11 saves against CBU while playing all 32 minutes at goalkeeper.
Martinez led the way with three goals versus Biola while eight other Matadors scored in the contest.
In front of the net, Byars finished with six saves, playing the first two quarters against Biola. Keller posted four saves, taking over in net in the third quarter.

ACCORDING TO COACH MATT WARSHAW
On CBU game
"We've made a great stride in 24 hours, being tied with a talented CBU team with three minutes to go was quite the sight. Few mental errors that we can clean up, but overall, a good showing."

On Biola game
"Between sickness and injuries, we needed the whole team for this victory. A true team win with contributions from the entire roster. Going 3-1 on opening weekend with four road games was a good start. Proud of this young roster."

UP NEXT
CSUN opens its home schedule on Friday, Feb. 6 when the Matadors host the first of two mini tournaments at Matador Pool this season. CSUN will take on Austin College to start the day at 4 p.m. before facing Concordia at 6 p.m.

#GoMatadors