April 13, 2006

Santa Clara, Calif. - Bryn Asher, Lindsey Bacolini, Kathleen Hamm, and Alanna Simpkins played their final home game at the Leavey Center and their teammates made sure that the senior quartet came out with a win, as No. 18 Santa Clara pummeled visiting Sonoma State 17-8 this afternoon. Andrea Evans led the attack with four goals in the wining effort and Katie Radvanyi added three, but it was the desire to win for the seniors that fueled the Broncos' potent offense.

"Our team was fired up from the get go. They wanted to play well for the seniors. We had a good game plan drawn up from the last time we faced them and we executed it pretty well," said head coach Keith Wilbur.

Santa Clara improves to 22-7 on the year and returns to action next Saturday with an away game against UC Santa Cruz. Game time is set for noon.

In addition to the powerful one-two punch of Evans and Radvanyi, Amy Lamb, Claire Linney, and Asher chipped in two goals, while Emily Bonk, Christie Miller, Elizabeth Perry, and Bacolini each contributed a goal. Bacolini had an excellent all-around game, with two assists and one steal. In the cage, Kristin Barnes led the way with six blocks on the day, while Randahl Capurro saved three attacks. Sara Barrantes and Katie Gilmartin each had a block in the game.

The collegiate careers of Asher, Bacolini, Hamm, and Simpkins are not over yet. After a match with UC Santa Cruz next Saturday, Santa Clara will compete in the Western Water Polo Association Championships the following weekend, to be held on the campus of Loyola Marymount and Wilbur is hoping that his seniors will guide his team to a strong finish.

"It's been a great class. Their freshmen year was the first year I got hired at Santa Clara and the program has improved every year they've been here," said Wilbur. "Hopefully they will finish their careers on a high note at the Western Water Polo Association Championships."