March 24, 2010

ROHNERT PARK, CAlif. - Junior Taylor Harkins scored four goals, her second-straight quad-goal performance, to lead the Santa Clara women's water polo team to a 10-8 victory over Sonoma State. With the victory, the Broncos improve to 10-9 overall and 5-3 in WWPA play.

Santa Clara found itself down 4-3 after the first quarter, but outdid the Seawolves 3-1 in the second to tie the game at 5-5 at the midway point.

The Broncos went on a three-goal run in the third, which was unmatched by Sonoma State to give Santa Clara an 8-5 lead. The Seawolves fired back in the fourth quarter, and even though they won the final eight minutes, couldn't catch the Broncos who went on to the 10-8 victory.

Santa Clara also received multi-goal games from junior Caitlin Espe and senion Jenny Knutson who both had two each. Senior Rochelle Stowe and sophomore Sarah Safir also tallied a goal each.

Knutson also added three assists and two steals with her two goals. Espe had two assists and three steals. Senior Meg Zimmerman, although held scoreless, had two steals and drew four ejections and a five-meter penalty. Junior Whitney Allen contributed three kickouts drawn and combined with Stowe and Zimmerman to play solid defense and hold the Sonoma State offense in check. Freshman Stephanie Clements earned her first collegiate start, making three saves in the match.