April 22, 2006

Santa Cruz, Calif. - The Santa Clara women's water polo team overcame a tough road environment this afternoon to beat host UC Santa Cruz 10-4. Senior Lindsey Bacolini, playing in her final regular season match, led the way for the No. 16 Broncos, as she found the back of the net on four occasions. A total of six athletes scored for Santa Clara, proving again that it has one of the most balanced offenses in the country.

"It was a real physical game. We had a tough time scoring but we played good defense throughout the game and our offense came through at the end," stated head coach Keith Wilbur.

Santa Clara improves its overall record to 23-7 on the year and returns to action on Friday for the Western Water Polo Association Championships, held on the campus of UC San Diego. The winner of the three-day tournament will earn an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

Aside from Bacolini, Santa Clara received some help in the scoring column from Allie Lamb, who had two goals. In addition, Emily Bonk, Elizabeth Perry, Katie Radvanyi, and Alanna Simpkins provided the Broncos with one goal each. Radvanyi and Simpkins had an excellent all-around match for Santa Clara, as they combined for five steals, four assists, and three kickouts drawn. In the cage, Kristin Barnes did an excellent job at keeping the Banana Slugs' offense at bay, turning away eight attacks.