High hopes for Fresno State women’s water polo after strong opening weekend
.JPG "Fans watch as Fresno State played San Jose State on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026.")
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- Fresno State opened season 2-1, beating Michigan and San Jose State.
- Freshman Charli Muñoz scored overtime winner; Katelyn Mobley made 10 saves.
- Coach Natalie Benson has a 76-week top-10 streak and four GCC titles.
It was a good showing for the nationally ranked Fresno State women’s water polo team this past weekend.
The Bulldogs, ranked No. 7 by Collegiate Water Polo Association, kicked off its season at the two-day Polopalooza tournament, finishing the event with a 15-14 overtime victory over No. 12 San Jose State at the Aquatics Center.
Freshman Charli Muñoz scored twice, including the decisive goal in overtime, while Katelyn Mobley recorded 10 saves and two steals, making a crucial stop in the extra period.
Under the leadership of head coach Natalie Benson — now in her ninth season— the Bulldogs have thrived, posting an impressive 114-79 record and claiming four Golden Coast Conference championships since 2018.
Fresno State has also maintained a top 10 national ranking for 76 consecutive weeks under Benson’s direction, dating back to the 2021 season. Their current No. 7 ranking marks their highest since March 2025.
Continuing their tradition of challenging top competition, Fresno State opened the season by defeating Michigan 11-9.
Expectations are high this year, as the Bulldogs were picked to finish first in the GCC.
Fresno State will host the GCC tournament from April 10-12.
The Bulldogs (2-1) will compete in the Brigitte Donner Daws Memorial Invitational hosted by Cal next weekend, where they are scheduled to face San Jose State, Cal, UCLA, and UC Davis.
