From January to early February 2024, Fresno State College surprised fans all across the nation with victories against top women’s water polo schools, Stanford and the University of Southern California. At the Polo-Palooza Tournament on January 21, Fresno State (originally ranked number 18 nationally) gained their new third-place national ranking after winning against number one Stanford (currently ranked fourth) at a score of 11-10. The entire game was close in points and overall an exhilarating watch. The Dogs (Fresno) were able to gain a lead of 11-9 at the beginning of the fourth quarter thanks to Kaitlin Howarth (cap 10, senior) and Hailey Andress (cap 2, sophomore). This game was one for the books because it was the first victory for Fresno against Stanford. Special notices were given to senior goalkeeper, Paula Nieto Jansy, who accomplished 13 saves that day during the span of two games and scored a pool-length lob against Stanford on an open net. Another shoutout to Elisa Grim, junior attacker, for scoring a total of 5 goals in the span of two games and leading her team to victory.
On February 3, Fresno State played originally ranked second, the University of Southern California. Similar to their game against Stanford, Fresno’s game against USC ended in Fresno’s win at a close score of 8-7. Although USC stayed at a 1-2 point advantage throughout the entire first half of the game, Fresno gained a 7-6 lead at the end of the third quarter. Goals were scored by sophomore attacker, Hailey Andress, and freshman center, Caitlyn Mossman. Fresno’s defense was completely locked in during the fourth quarter by allowing in one goal from USC. The Dogs scored a goal during the last quarter accomplished by Megan Cranely, Sophomore Attacker. A notable mention was given to Caitlyn Mossman who scored her second career hat trick against USC. (scoring three times in a game).
Fresno State head coach, Natalie Benson, was extremely proud of the efforts the girls put in this season through tough practices and intense games. Fresno has accomplished 8 wins this season with 7 of them on Top 20 teams and 4 including Top 10 opponents. Fresno State proved that through hard work, strategy, and passion, the underdog can rise to the top no matter the difficulty of the situation. Many water polo fans are hoping to see more victories from Fresno State and know they have the rest of a successful season in front of them!
