March 31, 2007
DAVIS, Calif. - The Santa Clara women's water polo team had a solid effort Saturday morning against #15 UC San Diego to kick off the Aggie Shootout hosted by UC Davis. For the second time this season, the Broncos have come through in the clutch against their rivals, with Emily Bonk scoring the game-winning goal with eight seconds remaining to break a 4-4 tie and seal the victory.
It was a back and forth game for both teams. Santa Clara got off to a strong start with goals by Katie Radvanyi and Jenny Knutson in the first quarter. San Diego got one back in the second quarter and the Broncos went into halftime with a 2-1 lead.
But then in the third quarter the Tritons stepped up their attack. After converting a 5m penalty almost immediately, UC San Diego took their first lead of the game midway through the quarter. Then, with about two and a half minutes left, junior Liz Perry netted the equalizer, tying the game at 3-3.
In the fourth quarter, the Broncos knew they had to score. After strong offensive play earned Santa Clara a man-advantage, head coach Keith Wilbur called timeout and the Broncos regrouped. And then, senior Andrea Evans worked her magic, scoring to put Santa Clara in the lead once again, 4-3.
Three minutes later, UC San Diego would tie the game once again, and with time ticking away in the fourth quarter, the Tritons were in position for a final drive of the game. With 24 seconds remaining, following a timeout, the Tritons pressed for the game-winning goal, but a strong defensive stand by the Broncos thwarted their efforts.
With 24 seconds left on the clock, Wilbur again called timeout as his team appeared to be headed for its second overtime decision with the Tritons in 2007. But not so fast. With the clock winding down, Amy Lamb controlling the ball, she sent a cross to Emily Bonk who buried her shot into the back of the net to give the Broncos a 5-4 lead. A big defensive stop as the clock ran out sealed the victory for Santa Clara, who has now beaten the Tritons three times in a row, dating back to last year's WWPA Championships.
The #15 Broncos (15-10) will face Cal State San Bernardino later this afternoon.
