ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – Elizabeth Anderson and Hannah Buck scored two goals apiece and Sydni Estrella backboned the defense with 13 saves, helping the Santa Clara women's water polo team earn a hard-fought 7-6 road victory Thursday over Sonoma State.
Anderson's second goal of the game increased the Broncos (7-10) lead to 7-3 with 4:29 left in the game, but the Seawolves (10-11) rallied with three goals in the next 2 minutes.
Nicole Groat's even-strength marker with 2:06 left in the game cut the deficit to 7-6, but Sonoma State was only able to get one shot the rest of the way and Estrella was able to turn it away sending the Broncos to the win in their final nonconference game of the season.
The game was tied 2-all at the half, but the Santa Clara offense took over in the third quarter with three straight goals.
"We made a really good run in the third quarter, beginning of the fourth," head coach Keith Wilbur said. "Then we weren't as patient on offense in the fourth and they hit a couple outside shots to make it close. But overall I was pleased with our performance in a tough environment."
Santa Clara went 2-for-9 on the power play. Buck's goal with the man advantage evened the score at 2-all with less than 3 minutes left in the opening period. Anderson scored the other power play goal, hitting the back of the net with 3:45 left in the third period to increase the lead to 4-2.
Erin Sheridan had one goal and assisted on five scores for the Broncos who were playing without leading scorer Elle Surber.
"Erin played a really good game," Wilbur said. "I thought she really stepped up a senior when we needed her."
Anderson and Buck also tied for the team lead with three kickouts drawn.
Estrella returned to the lineup after missing the last four games due to injury and had a strong game according to Wilbur.
The Broncos open Golden Coast Conference play on Friday, April 1 at Azusa Pacific.
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