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RIVERSIDE, Calif. - No. 8 Fresno State, the top-seed in the 2022 Golden Coast Conference Women's Water Polo Championships, advanced to defen their 2022 title thanks to a 10-7 win over No. 21 and fourth-seed San Diego State in the second semfiinal on Saturday. The Bulldogs will face No. 18 and third-seed LMU in the title game on Sunday at 1 pm.

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The Bulldogs won their 15th straight game to improve to 18-7 overall and look to defend the GCC tournament title they won last year. It is Fresno State's second straight title game appearance. It is the Lions fifth overall title game appearance (2-2).

Fresno State used an early 4-1 start and a third quarter shutout to keep San Diego State (13-16) at arms length throughout the game. Savannah Fitzgerald led the Bulldogs with three goals while Brooke Ochoa and Fanni Muzsnay had two each. Goalie Paula Nieto Jasny had 13 saves. 

Danni Croteau led SDSU with three goals and an assist. 

After Fresno State's fast start, San Diego State fought back and cut the lead to 5-4 with 5:18 to play in the first half. Defense took over and it wasn't until seven seconds left in the half that Emily Nicholson scored a big goal that made the lead 6-4 at the break.

The Bulldogs then scored the first three goals of the second half to put the game out of reach.