Jan. 29, 2005

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The Santa Clara women's water polo team dropped a pair of contests in the first day of the 2005 season at San Jose State on Saturday. The Broncos fell to UC Davis, 3-2 in the opening game. Just a half hour later, SCU dropped a 10-6 decision to San Jose State.

"Even with the two losses, I am very happy with the way the team played today," said head coach Keith Wilbur. "It was very tough to come back only a half hour later, but we stepped up in both matches today."

The Broncos and Aggies had a defensive battle in the first game as the team scored only five goals between them. Santa Clara went ahead early with a goal from Lindsey Bacolini less than 30 seconds into the match. However, the Aggie evened the score before the first period ended.

After a scoreless second quarter, UC Davis scored two goals in the third and kept the Broncos off the board until the fourth quarter. Catherine Flynn scored for SCU with 2:27 remaining in the match to drop the Aggie lead to one goal. However, SCU would not find the back of the net again in the match.

"We never let up against UC Davis," said Wilbur. "I think it was the best game we have ever played against them, and San Jose State, for that matter."

The Spartans scored six goals in the first half and held the Broncos to only two as they pulled away to the 10-6 win. Newcomers Christie Miller and Bacolini scored both Santa Clara goals in the first half.

In the third quarter, Bacolini scored her second goal of the contest to cut the Spartan lead to three goals. However, two San Jose State goals would increase its lead to five. The Broncos scored three goals in the last period, but it would not be enough as the Spartans added two more.

Emily Bonk, Alanna Simpkins and Flynn all scored for the Broncos in the fourth period.

The Broncos will return to action with a triple header in Santa Cruz on Saturday. Santa Clara will face Sonoma State, Cal State Monterey Bay and the host Banana Slugs on Saturday.