#25 CSUN Falls 10-6 at UC Davis to Close Regular Season

Saturday, April 4

Davis, Calif.

12:00 p.m.

California State University at Northridge

17-8 (2-4)

#15 UC Davis

14-12 (5-2)

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
CSUN	3	2	0	1	6
UC Davis	1	3	4	2	10

Photo by: Chuck Marvel

#25 CSUN Falls 10-6 at UC Davis to Close Regular Season

4/4/2026 1:53:00 PM | Women's Water Polo

Box Score

DAVIS, Calif.---No. 25 CSUN Water Polo gave No. 15 UC Davis a battle for 32 minutes but came up just short by a 10-6 score in the regular season finale on Saturday at Schaal Aquatics Center. Freshman Ashley Strickland led the way offensively, recording a hat trick while Erika Staine posted eight saves in front of the cage.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Matadors got off to a fast start, streaking to a 2-0 lead on back-to-back tallies from Strickland. CSUN held UC Davis scoreless until the 1:56 mark of the first quarter when Sofia Bozzo scored on a power play. However, the Matadors took a 3-1 lead to the second quarter on late first-quarter strike from Mira Dravucz. The Aggies would fight back in the second period, registering three straight goals including one on a five-meter penalty. The final minute of the first half though belonged to the Matadors who evened the game on a Strickland tally while Sophia Cooper gave CSUN a 5-4 edge with a goal with 14 seconds on the clock.

In the third period, the Aggies took control of the game with a dominant quarter. Taking advantage of a pair of CSUN exclusions, UC Davis went ahead on goals from Madison Sparre and Sadie Henry. Gianna Nocetti added to the lead with 3:47 left in the third period before Margo Tempel hit the net for an 8-5 Aggie lead. CSUN battled back to within 8-6 in the fourth period on an Ella Furuholmen tally. The Matadors drew an exclusion a minute later but could not cash in, leading to UC Davis taking advantage with a Nocetti goal. In the final seconds, CSUN could not get any closer while Nocetti hit her fifth goal of the match to close the scoring for the afternoon.

NOTES OF THE GAME

CSUN closes the regular season with a 17-8 overall record and 2-4 Big West mark while UC Davis improves to 14-12 overall and 5-2 in conference.
After leading 5-4 at halftime, CSUN was outscored 6-1 in the second half.
The Matadors were whistled for 14 exclusions compared to six for UC Davis.
Cooper had two assists to go with her goal.
Staine finished with three steals while totaling eight saves in 32 minutes in front of the cage.

ACCORDING TO COACH MATT WARSHAW
"Proud of our young team for finishing out the regular season conference schedule. We fought right until the end in a tough road environment. We have come a long way and have an exciting week ahead of us as we prepare for the conference tournament championship."

UP NEXT
CSUN has earned the sixth seed for 2026 Big West Water Polo Championships and will take on third seed UC Davis in a return meeting next Friday, April 10 at Ken Linedgren Aquatics Center in Long Beach starting at 4:30 p.m.

#GoMatadors