Feb. 4, 2006
Santa Clara, Calif. - Home court advantage is a powerful element in any athletic contest and unfortunately for the Cal State East Bay women's water polo team, they found out first hand as No. 20 Santa Clara powered to a dominating 15-1 victory this afternoon at the Leavey Center Pool. Eleven Broncos scored in the match, breaking the season-high record of 10 scoring players set last week against Cal State Monterey Bay.
"We came out strong in the first quarter and really set the tone of the match with our defense. We did a good job with our counterattacks and defense. It was a good all-around effort by everyone," noted Santa Clara head coach Keith Wilbur. "It was our first home game and we had a really good crowd, which is always nice to see."
The offense was led by a host of players who scored two goals apiece. Bryn Asher, Christie Miller, Kaylie Pezzuto, and Mele Rehder all found the back of the net on two occasions in the victory. In addition, Santa Clara received goals from Kendal Hildebrand, Allie Lamb, Amy Lamb, Claire Linney, Elizabeth Perry, Katie Radvanyi, and Alanna Simpkins to account for the final margin. Miller had an excellent overall game, notching two assists and two steals to go along with her offensive output.
On defense, Wilbur was able to employ all four goalies in the victory and they all did an excellent job in the cage. Kristin Barnes notched one block and two steals, Randahl Capurro had three blocks and two steals, and Sara Barrantes and Katie Gilmartin each posted one block apiece.
Santa Clara improves its record to 2-1 on the year and returns to action next weekend when it travels down to La Jolla, Calif. for the Triton Tournament, hosted by UC San Diego.
