FRESNO, Calif. — No. 5 seed and No. 21-ranked Pacific avenged a regular-season loss with a narrow 14-13 victory over fourth-seed and No. 20 California Baptist in the opening round of the 2026 GCC Championships on Friday afternoon at the Fresno State Aquatics Center.

Pacific (11-9) held off a late rally from California Baptist to secure the one-goal win and advance to the semifinals.

Laia Marsinach Ortega powered the Tigers with six goals and an assist, scoring four times in the second half, including two key goals in the third quarter that helped Pacific regain control. Sophie Pethers added two goals and two assists, while Ella Cowan contributed a pair of goals in the winning effort.

The teams traded goals throughout a tightly contested first half that ended in a 5-5 tie after the opening quarter. Pacific edged ahead in the second period, outscoring California Baptist 4-3 to take a 9-8 lead into halftime.

After California Baptist tied the match early in the third quarter, Pacific responded with a decisive 3-0 run, highlighted by consecutive goals from Marsinach Ortega, to build a 12-10 advantage entering the final frame.

California Baptist (13-11) continued to pressure in the fourth quarter, pulling within one goal twice in the closing minutes, but Pacific’s defense held firm to preserve the win.

Emmie Ramirez and Delilah Moreno each scored three goals to lead the Lancers, while Reese Beringer added two goals.

Pacific goalkeeper Maja Lizy Dulic recorded 12 saves to anchor the defensive effort, helping the Tigers withstand 36 shots from California Baptist.

With the win, Pacific advances to face No. 1 seed and No. 8-ranked LMU in the second semifinal on Saturday at 2 p.m.

California Baptist will move to the fifth-place game, where it will face Azusa Pacific on Saturday at 10 a.m.