LA JOLLA, Calif. - Freshman Katherine Biehle scored with 33 seconds remaining in the third quarter to break up a 6-6 tie and the 17th-ranked UC San Diego women's water polo team went on to post an 8-6 victory over Cal State East Bay on Friday evening at Canyonview Pool.

The Triton defense proved to be the difference down the stretch as UCSD held CSUEB to just one goal in the second half. Offensively, the Tritons took advantage of several 6-on-5 opportunities and outscored the Pioneers 3-1 over the final two periods to record their second consecutive win.

UCSD improves to 4-2 overall in 2011 and 2-0 in Wester Water Polo Association play, while Cal State East Bay drops to 2-3 overall and 1-1 in conference. Head coach Brad Kreutzkamp's squad has won four of their last five heading into this weekend's Triton Invitational on the UCSD campus.

"This was a huge win for us and we talked about it all week," Kreutzkamp said. "It's tough to stay focused when you have a big tournament coming up and you're playing five games in three days and one of them is against a huge conference rival. East Bay is going to be there all year and when you play them in your pool, you've got to get that win."

Kirsten Bates scored a pair of first half goals for UCSD, while Hanalei Crowell found the net twice in the second as the Tritons scored six of their eight goals in 6-on-5 situations. Sarah Grunberger and Claire Pierce scored two goals apiece to lead the Pioneers.

With the score tied at three after one quarter, Melissa Bartow and Bates scored back-to-back goals to put UCSD in front 5-3 with just under six minutes remaining in the half. The lead wouldn't last long though, as Pierce and Grenberger answered for CSUEB to knot the score at five heading into the locker room at halftime.

Crowell scored on a penalty shot 15 seconds into the third quarter to give the Tritons a 6-5 lead, but Carly Clark answered for the Pioneers to tie the score again three minutes later.

It was all UCSD after that, as Biehle came up with the decisive goal on another 6-on-5 to give UCSD a 7-6 cushion heading into the fourth and Crowell sealed the win, sending home the only score of the final period with 4:47 remaining.

UCSD will open the 16-team Triton Invitational against Hartwick on Saturday at 9:50 a.m. For a complete tournament schedule click here.

Cal State East Bay Goals: Grunberger 2, Pierce 2, Bell, Clark
UC San Diego Goals: Bates 2, Crowell 2, Bartow, Biehle Gonzales, Tran

Saves: Perkarske (CSUEB): 12; Ostosh (UCSD): 3