ROHNERT PARK, Calif- In a shootout, it’s not how you start that matters, but how you finish. In a game where defense took a back seat, Cal State East Bay mustered just enough to squeak out a 17-16 victory in double overtime over Sonoma State in the Seawolf Splash. Sonoma State falls to 2-10 this season while No. 19 Cal State East Bay improves to 7-5.

The Seawolves came out firing on all cylinders in the first quarter, building up an early three to one lead over the nationally ranked Pioneers. Laurel Stricklin scored the first of her eight goals 30 seconds into the match to put the Seawolves in the driver’s seat. Sonoma State would trade goals in a back-and-forth affair, leading four to three after the first quarter. It was the second quarter that brought the fireworks from both teams. Sonoma State built up its largest lead at three thanks a strong showing from Holly Armijo, who scored three of her four goals in a span of four minutes. However, Sonoma’s momentum was short lived, as the Pioneers were able to get into a groove and close the gap to one at halftime.

Both teams continued to light up the scoreboard in the third quarter. Sonoma State again built up a three point lead midway through the period, but the Pioneers, after trailing for most of the game, rallied to knot up the score at thirteen all. After what had been a shootout for the first three quarters, both teams came up with big stops in the final period, only scoring two points each. Through 32 minutes, both teams remained even on the board.

Overtime proved to be a different story for both teams, as points came at a premium. Stricklin struck first for the Seawolves in overtime, but to continue the rhythm from regulation, the Pioneers answered right back less than a minute later to force a second overtime. Both teams played valiantly in the second extra period, but with eighteen seconds left, Elisabeth Warren put the Pioneers on top for good, clinching a hard fought victory for Cal State East Bay.

Stricklin provided most of the offense for Sonoma State, scoring half of the team’s sixteen points. Armijo put in four goals of her own as Brooke Smith (2), Emily Pearce and Lindsay Rangel also contributed. Pearce led the Seawolves with four assists and Gina Uliana had fifteen saves for Sonoma State.

On the other side of pool, Claire Pierce scored five goals to lead the Pioneers. Jenna Casady and Whitney Bell combined for seven goals, scoring four and three respectively.

Sonoma State will close out the Seawolf Splash against  No. 4 UCLA, as the Seawolves still search for that first win against a ranked opponent. Opening sprint is scheduled for 2:15 p.m.