CSUN’s water polo team, ranked 14th in the nation, racked up another win (21-11, 3-4 Big West) in their final home game for their Big West Conference regular season. The Matadors defeated the 16th-ranked UC Santa Barbara’s Gauchos (19-22, 2-5) 13-9.

The Gauchos attempted several comebacks and kept the score tight throughout all four periods.

Coming out firing, the Gauchos took the lead just over thirty seconds into the game. CSUN would respond with their own goal, and taking the lead for good halfway through the first period.

As UCSB tried to comeback Northridge halted their rallies. Junior center Molly Henehan and Ferreira brought the Matadors lead to 7-4 just before half time.

With a second rally attempt by UCSB Gaucho Kacey Creek scored twice to close the gap making it 8-7 with six minutes left in the third period.

Matador junior utility Jenny Jamison’s score at the end of the third increased CSUN’s small lead of 10-8 heading into the final period.

Sophomore defender Kelcie Ferreira shined with three of her four goals scored in under two minutes during the fourth period. Securing Northridge’s win with her goals, CSUN won an all important game 13-9.

Northridge sophomore goalie Kiernan Davis racked up six saves compared to two by UCSB.

Tying for the game-high with four goals, junior attacker Lindsy Nelson recorded her 67th goal for the season. According to gomatadors.com it is ranked sixth highest for a single season and her 159 for her career is ranked fifth at CSUN.

CSUN’s only senior, attacker Leah Janke was honored before the last home game of her CSUN career.

Northridge will open its Big West postseason play on Friday at UC Irvine against Long Beach State.