LA JOLLA, Calif. - A strong second half led the 16th-ranked University of California San Diego women's water polo team to an 8-5 triumph over No. 20 Cal State Northridge, Friday evening at Canyonview Aquatic Center.
With the win, UC San Diego improves to 9-10 on the season. CSUN falls to 10-13.
Senior Lani Tittle completed her first hat trick of the season with a team-high three goals. Senior Lauren Boyer and sophomore Chanel Schilling each tallied two goals while Krista Schneider added one.
On defense, UCSD totaled 12 steal with Tittle and Schneider grabbing four each. Freshman Reilly Gallagher made four saves in goal and tallied two steals.
Despite a slow start, the Tritons came from behind, outscoing CSUN 6-2 in the second half to seal the win.
UCSD trailed 2-0 after the first quarter before Tittle opened up the second frame with goal off a pass from Jessee Ransone. Schneider scored on a power play with 1:31 left in the frame, however the Tritons trailed 3-2 at the half.
Boyer scored a goal to open up the third quarter before Tittle added back-to-back goals to give the Tritons a 5-4 lead. Her first goal came off a five-meter penalty shot and she followed that up scoring off a power play situation.
UCSD extended its lead early in the fourth frame when Schilling found the back of the net to give the Tritons a two-goal advantage. With 30 second remaining, Schilling scored UCSD's final goal of the game to ultimately seal the three-goal win.
The Matadors' Shannon Hovanesian tallied three goals while goalkeeper Nathalie Brewster made four saves.
The Tritons travel across town to compete in the Aztec Invitational hosted by San Diego State March 11-12. UCSD will play its first game against Bucknell Saturday, March 11 at 8:00 a.m.
BOX SCORE
UCSD 0 2 3 3 - 8
CSUN 2 1 1 1 - 5
Goals
UCSD: Lani Tittle 3, Lauren Boyer 2, Chanel Schilling 2, Krista Schneider 1
CSUN: Shannon Hovanesian 3, McKenzie Pollei 1, Amy Yule 1
Saves
UCSD: Reilly Gallagher 4
CSUN: Nathalie Brewster 4
#AllForOne
