Feb. 23, 2002
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Santa Clara University women's water polo team fell twice at the La Niņa Invitational, falling by one-point scores to both host CS Bakersfield and Occidental College at the John S. Hillman Aquatics Center on Saturday afternoon. The losses move the Broncos to 7-5 on the season.
The first game was a 5-4 defeat to the Road Runners. Scoring went back and forth, but the Broncos went on a late charge in the fourth quarter. Junior Elizabeth Glotzbach scored her first goal of the afternoon two minutes in to bring SCU within one 4-3. After a CSUB goal, the Broncos found themselves down two with four minutes remaining. Junior Kelley Mays scored bringing SCU back within one 5-4. The Broncos had possession with six seconds remaining in the match but were unable to score.
Junior Carly Carpenter and freshman Katy Shumm scored the early goals for SCU. Sophomore Anne Ginotti recorded eight blocks in goal, facing 17 shots overall.
"It was a low-scoring game, so every possession counted," head coach Steve Hanson said. "We played good defense, but we didn't convert on our man-up situations. The power plays came back to haunt us in the second game as well."
In that contest, the Broncos fell behind 0-3 before rallying to tie the contest, only to see the Tigers post a 6-3 halftime advantage. The contest was favoring Occidental 8-5 after three quarters, and while the Broncos held their opponent scoreless in the final period, they could only notch two goals themselves for the 8-7 final score. Kate Whitchurch and Ali Williams scored three goals apiece for Occidental.
The Broncos were led by Carpenter and senior Sara Schmitt, who each scored two goals. Shumm, Glotzbach and Mays added one each while Ginotti posted another eight saves.
"We had opportunities," Hanson added. "The girls worked so hard but we just couldn't pull out a win today."
The Broncos continue the season at the Claremont Tournament March 2-3. Game opponents and times have not yet been released by Claremont.
