Women's Water Polo Plays Conference Opener Friday, Holds Santa Clara Invitational Saturday and Sunday

Sullivan Aquatic Center

Posted: Feb 21, 2018

Santa Clara Invitational Tournament Central

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara women's water polo team has a busy stretch coming up as it will play five games in a three-day span, including the Golden Coast Conference opener.

The Broncos (4-5) face Cal Baptist on Friday and then have four games in the seven-team Santa Clara Invitational, which kicks off Saturday.

In all, Sullivan Aquatic Center will hold 15 games from Friday afternoon through Sunday evening.

Friday's Preview: Cal Baptist

In a Golden Coast Conference matchup, the Broncos (4-5) face the Lancers (4-6) on Friday at 3 p.m.

"Cal Baptist is our first conference game, and they are a good team," said head coach Keith Wilbur. "We should expect a close game, and it's good to know that we've been in that situation the past couple of weekends and come out on top."

The Broncos have won three of their last four games, including two by one goal.

Santa Clara has used the week of practice to concentrate on its transition game and offensive cohesion.

"Our focus this week has been to build on what we have done offensively," said Wilbur. "I think we can still create more in terms of our counterattack and movement on the half-court offense."

Santa Clara Invitational Preview

In addition to Cal Baptist, Cal State Monterey Bay, Redlands, Sonoma State, Indiana and UC Davis will join the Broncos at the Santa Clara Invitational.

There will be seven games on Saturday and the same the following day.

"This is the first time that we have hosted a large tournament for the women's water polo in a few years," said Wilbur. "It should be a fun event with a lot of good water polo all weekend long. We look forward to seeing a lot of people out at the Sullivan Aquatic Center."

On Saturday, Santa Clara will face Redlands at 10:20 a.m. and Cal St. Monterey Bay at 2:20 p.m. on

In the season-opening matchup with the Otters, Hannah Buck posted a career-high six goals while Mara Dominguez, Annie Eldredge and Maggie Oys scored two apiece to lead Santa Clara to a 13-7 victory.

The Broncos hope to use the two previous tournaments as confidence- boosters.

"Between the Aggie Shootout and the Triton Invitational (in San Diego), we've had three close games where we played really well in the fourth quarter and won," said Wilbur. "It is great to have that experience and build confidence in those situations going forward."

On Sunday, Santa Clara plays Indiana at 9:20 a.m. and Sonoma State at 4 p.m., in the tournament finale.

The Broncos defeated the Seawolves, 6-3, at the Triton Invitational.

Tournament play begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. on Sunday.

TICKETS
Friday's game is $6 and may be purchased online or at the gate (cash or credit card accepted). On Saturday and Sunday, entry requires the purchase of a $10 pass. Single-game tickets, priced at $6, are ONLY available for the five Santa Clara contests. They may be purchased online or at Sullivan Aquatic Center, which opens one hour prior to the first game each day. For questions, contact the Santa Clara ticket office weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at (408) 554-4660 or BroncoTickets@scu.edu.

PARKING
For weekday games, the Leavey Center lot, located on Accolti Way off El Camino Real, is free beginning one hour prior to the start of the game. Any other parking facility on campus will be subject to normal daily rates or restrictions, including the main structure, located on Palm Drive. During the weekend, campus parking facilities are free (except for permit required locations). Click here for a campus map and parking restrictions.