Triton Invitational Tournament Central
SAN DIEGO – Santa Clara women's water polo struggled to produce offense on the opening day of the Triton Invitational, but its pair of losses came at the hands of nationally-ranked competition.
After falling to No. 2 USC, 18-2, on Saturday morning behind a game-high five goals from Maude Megens, the Broncos (3-4) were upended by No. 16 Hartwick, 13-4, in the afternoon session.
Lena Kotanchyan and Zsofia Polak scored four goals apiece, helping Hartwick (5-1) pull away in the second half.
Keri Clifford's first goal of the season with 3:36 left in the third quarter pulled Santa Clara within 7-4, but Polak scored on the ensuing possession, beginning a run of three goals in less than two minutes for the Hawks. Kotanchyan hit the back of the net with 2:16 left in the period and Charlotte Cottle scored 35 seconds later.
In Saturday's opener, Nikki Stansfield, Denise Mammolito and Elise Stein each had two goals for the Trojans (12-0) who had scored 20 or more in their previous five outings.
Susan Providenza tallied both goals against USC for the Broncos who face Marist (3-6) at 8 a.m. Sunday in Canyonview Pool, one of two facilities at UC San Diego, which is serving as the host school for the two-day tournament.
The Broncos will play again Sunday afternoon in their final game of the 16-team tournament.
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