BAKERSFIELD, Calif- The Sonoma State water polo squad is saving its best stuff for the post season.  After taking an opening round victory against Chapman University, the No. 7-seed Seawolves came close to pulling off a huge upset over No. 2-seed UC San Diego on Friday.  The Tritons held on to a 10-7 victory to advance to the semifinals on Saturday.  Sonoma State will face the winner of Saturday's match between No. 3-seed Cal State East Bay and No. 9-seed Cal State Monterey Bay.

Like the first quarter against Chapman earlier on Friday, the Seawolves struck first thanks to the sharp shooting of Laurel Stricklin.  After trading goals, Emily Pearce put the Seawolves up 3-1 with a minute left to play in the first period.

Unfortunately for Sonoma State, the middle frames did not bode well.  The Tritons outscored the Seawolves by a combined score on 8-2 in the second and third periods.  Sonoma State only received goals from Laura Kunz in the second and Pearce in the third.

Sonoma State put up a ferocious comeback attempt but a three goal lead for UC San Diego proved insurmountable for the Seawolves as they fell valiantly 10-7.

Pearce led the offense for Sonoma State, powering in three goals to continue her hot hand she has showcased in the tournament.  Holly Armijo, Brooke Smith, Stricklin and Kunz rounded out the seven goals for the Seawolves.

Gina Uliana saved five shots for the Seawolves coming in the final three frames.

The Tritons were paced on offense by the trio of T.C. Coles, Audra Bloom and Hanalei Crowell who scored three, two and two goals, respectively.  Markayla Quane had eight saves for UC San Diego.

The Seawolves will continue their tournament run tomorrow as they await the winner of the Cal State East Bay-Cal State Monterey Bay matchup.  First sprint for the Seawolves for 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.