LOS ANGELES, Calif- The Sonoma State water polo team split their first two matches of the Loyola Marymount Invitational this Saturday afternoon at the Burns Recreation and Aquatics Center, defeating Cal State San Bernardino 12-6 in game one, and falling to Cal State Northridge 12-11 in the nightcap. The split gives Sonoma a 5-8 record overall.

Sonoma State jumped out to a 4-1 lead after the first quarter thanks to a balanced scoring attack. Four different Seawolves netted goals in the quarter including Holly Armijo, Laurel Stricklin, Andrea Brookbank, and Samantha Mullins.

Sonoma would add eight more goals over the course of the game, and outscore Cal State San Bernardino 5-3 in the second half to post the victory.

Pacing Sonoma State with three goals was Brookbank. Sarah Watt and Brooke Smith each chipped in two goals for Sonoma. Lysa Lombard had a game-high eleven saves in the net for the Seawolves.

In game two, a late fourth quarter comeback by the Sonoma just fell short, as the Seawolves were edged by the Matadors 12-11.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the game was tied at 8-8. Sonoma took the 9-8 lead early in the fourth on a goal by Samantha Mullins. Cal State Northridge then reeled off four straight goals in three minutes, including two by Kirra Kylander.

Down 12-9 with under 2:30 remaining, Sonoma State went on a run of their own, scoring two goals to close the gap to 12-11. However, the Seawolf comeback ran out of time, and the Matadors were able to secure the 12-11 victory.

Samantha Mullins had a game-high five goals and Laurel Stricklin added three more for the Seawolves.

Up next for Sonoma State is day two of the LMU Invitational. Sonoma will battle host LMU at Noon, and take on Princeton at 4:40 in the afternoon.

Match Statistics

Game 1

Sonoma State - 4 3 3 2 - 12
CSU San Bernardino - 1 2 2 1 - 6

SSU Scoring: Holly Armijo (1), Laurel Stricklin (1), Emily Pearce (1), Sarah Watt (3), Andrea Brookbank (3), Brooke Smith (2), Samantha Mullins (1)

SSU Goalie Saves: Lysa Lombard (11)

Game 2

CSU Northridge - 3 4 1 4 - 12
Sonoma State - 1 6 1 3 - 11

SSU Scoring: Courtney Rider (2), Laurel Stricklin (3), Andrea Brookbank (1), Samantha Mullins (5)

SSU Goalie Saves: Lysa Lombard (6)