FRESNO, Calif. — No. 13 Fresno State built an early six-goal lead and held off a late surge to defeat No. 13 San Diego State 14-12 on Sunday at the Fresno State Aquatics Center on Golden Coast Conference play.

The win gives Fresno State the inside track to the No. 2 seed for the GCC Championship and keeps the Bulldogs one game behind conference leader LMU, who has clinched at least a share of their third straight regular season title.

Fresno State (13-9, 4-1 GCC) used a fast start to take control, jumping out to a 5-2 lead after the first quarter and extending it to 9-3 late in the first half. The Bulldogs’ early cushion proved critical as San Diego State mounted a comeback over the final two periods.

Hailey Andress led Fresno State with four goals, scoring three in the opening quarter to spark the early advantage. Kira Anderson added three goals, while Marit van der Kolk, Charley Stephens and Riaan Bryant each scored twice.

San Diego State (15-9, 4-2 GCC) responded with a strong third quarter, scoring five goals to cut the deficit to 13-9 entering the fourth. The Aztecs pulled within two goals multiple times down the stretch but could not complete the rally.

Sydney Gish led San Diego State with four goals, while Mimi Stoupas added three and Megan Holcomb scored twice during the third-quarter push.

Fresno State goalkeeper Katelyn Mobley recorded six saves, helping the Bulldogs withstand the late pressure.