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Source: goaztecs.com
Photo courtesy goaztecs.com
March 2, 2017 (San Diego) - Caroline Israels scored three goals, including the game winner, to help No. 17 San Diego State defeat Chengdu University of China, 10-8, in an exhibition contest Thursday afternoon at Aztec Aquaplex.
The game was all-square at 8-8 late in the third quarter after Chengdu scored four unanswered goals spanning the second and third periods. Israels, however, ended a scoring drought that lasted 10:50 with a power-play goal 69 seconds before the quarter horn.
SDSU held a precious 9-8 lead entering the final period, but Ioli Benekou provided some breathing room with a 6-on-5 goal with 6:19 left. From there the Aztecs turned up the defensive intensity and kept Chengdu off the scoreboard to earn the victory.
The first half was the complete opposite of the second as a total of 14 goals were notched compared to the four scored in the final 16 minutes.
In the opening frame, Chengdu scored twice in the first 2:22, but went quiet as San Diego State received two power-play goals from Hannah Carrillo and single tallies from Alyssa Diacono and Lizzy Bilz.
SDSU allowed a Chengdu goal on its first possession at set, but responded with a Paola Vizcarra backhand to regain the two-goal advantage. The Aztecs then scored three of the game’s next four goals – two from Israels and one from Benekou – to propel them to an 8-4 lead. The lead was then erased before Israels and Benekou rounded out the scoring.
San Diego State will have this weekend off before returning to action March 11-12 when it plays host to the Aztec Invitational.
No. 17 San Diego State 10, Chengdu University 8
Aztec Aquaplex; San Diego, Calif.
CU 2-4-2-0—8
SDSU 4-4-1-1—10
CU goals: Huo Yidan 3, Wang Minxia, Li Shujin, Lei Xue, Li Yanbang, Wang Zhujia
SDSU goals: Caroline Israels 3, Ioli Benekou 2, Hannah Carrillo 2, Lizzy Bilz, Alyssa Diacono, Paola Vizcarra
CU saves: Yang Xiaocui 1
SDSU saves: Kate McDonnell 2, Maura Cantoni 2
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