The Long Beach State women’s water polo team kicked off Big West Conference play Saturday on the wrong end of a defensive battle in a 5-3 loss to the No. 19-ranked University of Pacific in Stockton, Calif.
Goalkeeper Kristen Stragier recorded seven saves for the 49ers (11-13, 0-1 Big West), but she was bested by UOP’s Kailee Bucknum, who collected 10 saves — four of which came in the final period.
The Tigers (17-10, 1-0 Big West) jumped out to take a 2-1 lead after the first period as they struck first before answering LBSU’s Coriann Snyder’s first period goal.
Pacific’s Mandy King then scored her second goal of the match to give the Tigers a 3-1 lead heading into the half.
Long Beach State cut the lead to one goal after a score from Chelsea Parks with 3:13 left in the third period, but Pacific found the back of the net again to start the fourth period as the Tigers held on for the match.
The 49ers will continue Big West play against No. 16 UC Davis at Noon on Sunday.
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