Jan. 24, 2009
HAYWARD, Calif. - The No. 20 Santa Clara women's water polo team kicked off the 2009 season with a decisive, 18-12, win over California State University East Bay. Led by junior driver Jenny Knutson, who scored a team-high four goals, posted an assisted and drew a 5-meter penalty, SCU had a strong offensive game.
"I am happy that we were able to start the season with a strong win in really tough small pool," said head coach Keith Wilbur. "Our offense had a very strong game, but defensively, we need to work on some things and avoid giving up 12 goals."
Eleven different Broncos got in the scoring game, including Kendal Hildebrand, Allie and Amy Lamb, and Jade Look who each scored two goals apiece. Senior Claire Linney tallied two assists, scored a goal and drew a 5-meter penalty, and junior Rochelle Stowe drew two kick outs, and had a goal and a steal.
Freshmen Marina Allen and Laura Espinosa saw action in their first collegiate water polo game. Allen scored her first two career goals and Espinosa had a steal and a kick out drawn.
SCU hosts their season and Sullivan Aquatic Center opener Thursday, January 29, versus Stanford at 6 p.m.
Santa Clara 18, CSU East Bay 12
Goals
Allie Lamb - 2, Stowe - 1, Allen - 2, Amy Lamb - 2, Knutson - 4, Zimmerman - 1, Espinosa - 1, Hildebrand - 2, Linney - 1, Harkins - 1, Look - 1
Assists
Knutson - 1, Zimmerman - 1, Miller - 1, Hildebrand - 1, Linney - 2, Harkins - 2, Look - 1, Amy Lamb - 1
Steals
Stowe - 1, Amy Lamb - 2, Zimmerman - 1, Espinosa - 1, Hildebrand - 2, Look - 2
Kick Outs Drawn
Stowe - 2, Amy Lamb - 3, Espinosa - 1, Linney - 2
5-Meter Penalties
Knutson - 1, Linney - 1
Blocks
White - 8
