BERKELEY, Calif. – The Fresno State water polo team saw its 2024 campaign come to a close on Friday night, falling 14-7 to Cal in the NCAA quarterfinal at the Spieker Aquatics Complex in Berkeley, Calif.
The Bulldogs finish with a 21-8 overall record, earning the most wins in a single season in program history.
How it Happened
Fresno State trailed 2-0 before Abbey Simshauser netted the first goal for the 'Dogs with 4:32 remaining in the opening quarter. Cal would score two more in the period, and the Bulldogs were unable to capitalize on their offensive attacks. Fresno State trailed 4-1 at the end of the first.
Simshauser opened up the second quarter with her second goal of the night, following the sprint win by Cynthia Rosa. Cal responded on its next possession, extending its lead back to three. The Bears would score again on a counterattack attempt to take a 6-2 lead. With 4:08 left in the quarter, Elisa Grim capitalized on the 6-on-5 opportunity on the assist from Hailey Andress to cut the lead in half.
Cal took advantage of its next two 6-on-5 opportunities of the game, scoring with a Bulldog out each time to extend its lead to 8-3 with 2:03 remaining before the half. Andress scored on the rebound from a shot by Rosa to end the Bears' run.
At halftime, Cal led 9-4.
Cal opened the third quarter with a goal but Andress was quick to respond. Both teams were held scoreless for three minutes until Cal converted on a penalty shot at the 4:26 mark to make it 11-5 in favor of the 'Dogs. Andress would score the next goal following a Cal turnover stolen away by Rosa. The third quarter ended with Fresno State trailing 11-6.
Cal again scored the first goal of the quarter, two minutes in. Ashley Williams responded at center on the 6-on-5 opportunity. Cal would score two more unanswered. Fresno State had the final possession of the game, but was unable to capitalize.