Jan. 25, 2003

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara University women's water polo team defeated Division III fourth-ranked UC Santa Cruz 13-4 this afternoon at the Leavey Pool.

The Broncos opened the 2003 season earlier in the day with a 19-2 victory over Sonoma State, a collegiate club team. Santa Clara is now 2-0 on the season. Sonoma State and UCSC squared off in the second game of the tripleheader, with the Slugs earning the 14-4 victory.

Junior Becky Hong started the Bronco offense midway through the first period, converting a penalty shot on a skip pass for the 1-0 lead. Sophomore Katy Shumm made it a two-goal advantage on a counter-attack lob score. UCSC's Desiree Gant put the Slugs on the board, as her shot slipped through the fingers of Bronco netminder Alexandra Dalmau. Freshman Kathleen Hamm capped scoring in the first quarter with her lob shot for a 3-1 lead.

The Broncos held UC Santa Cruz scoreless in the second period, while extending their lead to 6-1 at the half, with goals by sophomore Allison Stover, Hong, and senior Kelley Mays.

Senior Elizabeth Glotzbach scored both of her goals in the third period, while Shumm added a score as well. The score favored the Broncos 9-3, as the Slugs' Elizabeth Doerr and Katie Sanfillipo also scored.

The Broncos closed the match with four more goals, including two by freshman Bryn Asher. Freshman Alanna Simpkins also earned a tally on a rebound, while Mays began the period with a goal as well.

UCSC's Emily Erksine put the final goal on the board when her shot found the back of the cage with 10 seconds remaining.

The Broncos will continue the season next Saturday, Feb. 1, hosting UC Davis. The match will begin at 3 p.m. at Leavey Pool.