March 13, 2010

By Zach Balside
Athletic Media Relations

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- The CSU Rams women's water polo team held tight through three periods but could not overcome a three-goal let down in the fourth quarter and lost to Long Beach State by a score of 9-6 on Saturday afternoon at the 49er Pool.

CSU (4-10, 1-2 Western Water Polo Association) was held scoreless in the first quarter but answered in strong fashion with three goals before halftime. The Rams outscored the 49ers 2-1 in the third frame and found themselves down by just one goal heading into the fourth quarter.

Long Beach State responded well to the Rams' pressure, however, and scored three times in the final period to secure a 9-6 win.

"We let in some easy goals in the fourth that put the game away," coach Mike Moody said.

The 49ers, who are receiving votes in the most recent national poll, were pushed hard by the Rams and Moody appreciated the effort the team gave.

"I was very proud of the girls today," Moody said. "We executed our Xs and Os. It was back and forth all game long and it was a good game for us."

Junior Ali Pavlik tallied her fifth hat trick of the season, and the Rams also received goals from Sarah Ostling, Kailin Custy and Kallie Berry.

The match was the first of a five-game swing the Rams have in Southern California. Tomorrow, CSU heads out to Riverside, Calif., for their first two games at the Redlands Mini-Tournament. The Rams take on No. 10 Cal State Northridge at 11:30 a.m. MT, and then battle Claremont Mudd-Scripps at 2:30 p.m. MT.