MERCED, Calif. – The University of California, Merced women's water polo team dropped a 12-7 decision to Cal State Monterey Bay on Senior Day Sunday afternoon.

The Bobcats (2-16, 0-5) came out firing offensively and led 4-3 after the first quarter but were unable to maintain their goal scoring throughout the match.

Claudette Asenjo, Sophia Milton, and Kiryn Wicker scored two goals each. Grace Tademy also deposited a shot into the back of the net.

Asenjo, moments after being celebrated with her five fellow seniors prior to the match, scored on the Bobcats opening possession. The teams alternated goals for a 2-2 tie after three minutes of action before the Bobcats opened up the first two-goal lead of the game, 4-2 at the 2:52 mark of the first quarter. Tademy and Milton were the Bobcats goal scorers to double up the Otters, however CSUMB scored on a 6-on-5 to pull back within a goal before the quarter came to a close.

The Otters tallied back-to-back goals early in the second quarter to grab its first lead of the game at 5-4. Wicker answered right back with a successful penalty shot. CSUMB responded with another 3-0 goal scoring run and would lead 8-5 at halftime.

CSUMB extended the lead to 9-5 on the first possession of the third quarter. Asenjo answered by converting a penalty shortly after, but the Otters continued to find success and took their largest lead of the game with a pair of goals later in the quarter, leading 11-6. Milton dented the twine for the Bobcats to make it 11-7 entering the fourth. Milton's goal marked her first career multi-goal performance.

The Bobcats were unable to score in the fourth quarter in defeat. CSUMB'S only fourth quarter goal came in the opening 22 seconds.

Makenzie Royal anchored the Bobcats defense with a career-high 13 saves on the day. She has recorded double figure saves in five consecutive. The freshman also recorded three steals and an assist.

Wicker registered four steals, her second game of the year with multiple goals and at least four steals. She has scored in five straight outings.

Looking ahead, UC Merced will play at Concordia University Irvine on Friday, March 27. Opening sprint is scheduled for 11:00am at William Woolett Jr. Aquatics Center in Irvine, Calif.