Feb. 14, 2004

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - The Santa Clara University women's water polo team defeated Sonoma State 13-4 and CS San Bernardino 8-6 in opening-day action at the Slugfest Invitational, hosted by UC Santa Cruz at its East Fieldhouse. The Broncos are now 5-4 on the season.

"We scored many of our goals on the counterattack," SCU head coach Keith Wilbur said after the contest against the Seawolves. "That set the tone, getting up and down the pool, for the entire match."

Kathleen Hamm led all Bronco goal scorers with three tallies. Catherine Flynn compiled her stats in pairs, netting two goals, two assists and two steals, while drawing two kick outs, including a four-meter. Katie Radvanyi and Alanna Simpkins also scored two goals and one assist each, and Bryn Asher, Katy Shumm, Danielle Mansfield and Courtney Titus added one goal apiece to round out the Bronco scoring.

Kristin Barnes guarded the Bronco cage and recorded nine blocks.

Against the Coyotes, Radvanyi notched three goals, followed by Flynn's two. Hamm, Shumm and Simpkins added one each. Anne Ginotti recorded 16 saves and one steal while in goal for the Broncos.

"It was a very physical game, but I thought we matched up well," Wilbur said. "It was our first tight match of the season, and although it wasn't pretty, it's good to know we can play that style of water polo and come away with a win."

Radvanyi also drew two four-meter kick outs, resulting in penalty shots the Broncos converted into goals. Hamm drew four kick outs, while Simpkins drew three.

The Broncos will take on Cal State Bakersfield on Sunday at 11:30 a.m., followed by a 3 p.m. contest against Occidental. Both matches will close out Santa Clara's participation at the Tournament.