ANN ARBOR, Mich. – No. 8 Fresno State fell to No. 2 USC in the quarterfinals of the 2022 NCAA Tournament 15-9 on Friday evening.
The Bulldogs finish their season with a program-best 19 wins after reaching the NCAA quarterfinals for the second consecutive season.
Five different Bulldogs scored goals. Goal scorers included Sanannah Fitzgerald (2), Fanni Muzsnay (2), Jillian schultz, Emily Diacono (1), Sienna Jagielski (1) and Shelby Vidmar.. Goalkeeper Paula Nieto Jasny logged 10 saves.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Trojans opened the match with four straight goals. Nieto Jasny made a big save on a power play, and then Muzsny netted a goal on next plat for the 'Dogs.
Nieto Jasny had back-to-back saves to hold a the game at a three-goal deficit. Vidmar made and an unassisted goal on a power play to make it a 4-2 game.
USC finished the opening quarter with a goal to make it 5-2 after eight minutes.
The Trojans started the second quarter with back-to-back goals. The Bulldogs responded with back-to—pack goals of their own.
USC dented the twine one last time to take a 9-4 advantage into halftime.
Jagielski opened the second half with a goal for the 'Dogs.
The Trojans rallied with back-to-back goals. Fitzgerald capitalized on a penalty shot to halt the run. USC outscored Fresno State 2-1 down the stretch to take a 12-7 lead into the final quarter.
USC opened the fourth quarter with a goal, but Shultz countered with her second goal of the game.
The Trojans scored two final goals, but Muzsnay dented the twine one final time for the Bulldogs.