From LBSU reports

Long Beach State women’s water polo split the first day of the Santa Barbara Invitational, defeating Cal Baptist before losing a heartbreaker to the host Gauchos on day one. The 49ers, now 5-9, continue play at the tournament on Sunday.

Long Beach State began the day with an 11-6 win over Cal Baptist. The 49ers picked up a 3-1 lead after the first period, and while Cal Baptist tied the game at three ending the first half, Long Beach State scored eight goals to Cal Baptist’s three in the second half, including a 5-1 advantage in the final period to get the win. Cecilia Canetti scored four goals to lead the 49ers in the contest.

In the second match of the day, LBSU faced no. 13 UC Santa Barbara, the tournament hosts. The Gauchos moved out to a 5-3 lead after the first half, but Long Beach State scored three goals to two in the second period, nearly pulling off the upset behind three goals from center Meaghan Leonard.

Long Beach State will play two more games at the UC Santa Barbara Invitational Sunday, matching up against San Diego State in the morning and finishing the tournament with an afternoon game against UCSD.