The No. 2-seed Fresno State water polo team fell to the No. 1-seed Loyola Marymount Lions 8-6 in the Golden Coast Conference (GCC) Championship game.

With the win, the Lions earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs failed to reach the peak of the GCC for the second consecutive season.

Unlike the 2025 title game, the 2026 title game was a defensive battle; however, the Bulldogs’ lack of offense in the second half allowed the Lions to hang around and eventually pull ahead late in the fourth period. Sophomore center Marit van der Kolk registered the only two goals in the second half.

The ‘Dogs jumped out to the early lead with goals from attackers Hailey Andress and Kira Anderson. Freshman goalie Katelyn Mobley helped out on the defensive end, making 12 saves on 20 shots on goal. She had an impressive nine saves on 11 shots in the first half.

Taking a 4-2 lead into halftime, the Lions intensified their defensive pressure. Lions’ goalie Madison Searle stood tall in the cage, coming up with big stops to keep the Lions in the game.

Late in the fourth, the momentum swung to the Lions with five minutes left.

After van der Kolk’s second goal, the Lions answered immediately. After two empty possessions from the ‘Dogs, the Lions took the lead and extended their lead on back-to-back possessions.

On their last possession, the ‘Dogs couldn’t solve Searle, and the Lions drained the last remaining seconds to become back-to-back GCC champions. The ‘Dogs could only watch as the Lions jumped into their home pool and celebrated.

Andress and Mobley were named to the All-Tournament team following the loss.

The ‘Dogs will look to 2027 to avenge their tournament loss. The GCC will add Saint Mary’s College and San Jose State to the conference.