For the second consecutive season, the LMU Lions are the GCC Water Polo Champions.

The Lions suffocated the Bulldogs throughout the entire second half, allowing just two goals. Despite scoring three goals in the first period, the Bulldogs could not break through the Lions’ defense.

The Bulldogs will watch the Lions hoist the trophy at their home pool.

Natalie Benson and the ‘Dogs will look to 2027 to get back to the mountain top in the GCC.

Another big stop from the Lions has them smelling victory with under a minute to go in the fourth period.

Benson called her third of four timeouts as the ‘Dogs were having trouble going in transition after a big save from Katelyn Mobley.

The Lions have doubled their lead. They lead 8-6 with 2:25 to go.

The Bulldogs’ empty possessions have come back to bite them. They’ll need a goal to stay in the game coming out of their second timeout of the game.

On a 5-meter penalty shot, the Lions claimed their first lead of the game.

The Bulldogs’ defense had a lapse, allowing a Lion to get in deep.

Lions lead 7-6 with 3:26 to go.

After Marit van der Kolk gave the Bulldogs the lead, the Lions again came back on their next possession to tie the game.

With under five to play, its tied at six.

The Bulldogs and Lions are knotted up at five apiece heading into the final eight minutes of regulation in the GCC Tournament.

Marit van der Kolk was able to break the goal-scoring drought for the Bulldogs, but the Lions tied things back up on their next possession.

The Bulldogs’ slim advantage has evaporated after a goal on a 6-on-5 from the Lions, tying the game at four apiece. The Bulldogs have not found any offense in the third period.

Fresno State’s Director of Athletics, Garrett Klassy, among many coaches and players from Fresno State programs are at the Aquatics Center to support the Bulldogs in their championship efforts.

The Lions have broken through Mobley, scoring to make it 4-3 with under three minutes to go.

A scoreless third period thus far through 3:29 has forced Natalie Benson to call the Bulldogs’ first timeout of the afternoon.

She looks to find some offense for the ‘Dogs to grow their advantage.

At the break, the Bulldogs hold a 4-2 lead over the Lions.

It’s been a defensive battle. Both goalies have made big saves and gotten help from their defense in front of them. Katelyn Mobley has made nine saves on 11 shots and Madison Searle has knocked down six of the Bulldogs’ 10 shots.

Despite the low score, it’s been a clean game from both teams. Only three exclusions have been called in the first 16 minutes.

One more half of GCC water polo follows. The ‘Dogs look to get back to the mountain top by knocking off the defending champs.

The Lions cut into the Bulldogs’ lead on a 6-on-5, a call that Natalie Benson did not agree with.

After the goal was scored, the referee issues Benson a yellow card.

The Lions call their first timeout of the afternoon after getting a key stop in the defensive end.

The ‘Dogs lead 4-1 with 3:50 to play in the second period.

Katelyn Mobley has made five saves on six shots.

Her latest sprung Hailey Andress on a breakaway, where she got fouled. Freshman Riaan Bryant took the penalty shot and fooled the Lions goalkeeper to extend the Bulldogs’ lead to 4-1.

The Bulldogs hold a 3-1 lead over the Lions heading into the second period.

The defense has caused the Lions to turn the ball over four times in the first period. And the veteran leadership has turned the defense into three goals on the other end.

A much better start for the ‘Dogs in 2026 than in 2025.

What looked like a sure-fire Lions goal turned into a break the other way for the ‘Dogs. Kira Anderson finished the job.

The ‘Dogs lead 3-1 with under a minute to go in the first period.

Lions’ Cila Davis broke the seal on Katelyn Mobley, cutting the Bulldogs’ advantage in half with just 2:01 to go in the first.

Hailey Andress extends the Bulldogs lead to 2-0 with 3:17 to go in the first period.

The Lions have had five empty possessions, registering just two shots.

The Bulldogs strike first off a rip from none other than their ultra-talented senior, Hailey Andress.

From up top, she ripped a shot past the Lions’ goalie as the shot clock expired.

First possessions for both teams come up empty. Both teams crowds are energized split down the middle of the stands.