UCSB (9-7) held off a late rally from Fresno Pacific (1-12), 11-9, in a non-conference game Thursday evening at Campus Pool.
The Gauchos poured it on early, jumping out to a first quarter 6-1 lead, in what looked to be a blowout. UCSB rotated in players throughout the rest of the game, and the Sunbirds continuously attempted to mount a comeback. Fresno Pacific outscored the Gauchos 5-2 in the middle two quarters, cutting UCSB’s lead to two goals. In the final period, UCSB matched three Sunbird goals, which was enough to put Fresno Pacific away.
Shelby Haroldson and Lizzie Rouleau each posted two goals in the high scoring contest. Coach Wolf Wigo said, “The score was a little closer than we had wanted it to be, but we got a lot of players who don’t usually get playing time good experience. From that standpoint, it was definitely positive, and we’re getting excited to play LMU on Sunday.”
The Gauchos will take on No. 9 Loyola Marymount (8-2), at 12pm on Sunday, at UCSB’s Campus Pool.
UCSB 11, Fresno Pacific 9
UCSB Goals: Shelby Haroldson 2, Lizzie Rouleau 2, Kristin Kulakowski, Christie Clark, Jillian Waldron, Taylor Byrne, Elle Quane, Kacey Creek, Nancy Ruano
UCSB Saves: Chelsea Carrillo 5
Fresno Pacific Goals: Bobala Toth 2, Melissa Perry 2, Nicolette Haley 2, Deborah Wall, Katie Rayner, , Jenn Wolter,
Fresno Pacific Saves: Danni Mortimer 4
