Women’s Water Polo Edged by California Baptist

Posted: Apr 10, 2021

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Kira O'Donell tallied a game-high five goals and California Baptist was efficient with the extra attacker which enabled it to escape with a 13-12 victory against Santa Clara women's water polo on Saturday.

Jamie Hutton had four goals for the Lancers (5-9, 3-3) who scored on seven of their 10 chances on the power play, but nearly squandered a five-goal, third-quarter lead.

Mia Battilega scored four times, Elle Fredrickson had three goals and Malena Nguyen posted one goal and three assists for the Broncos (0-7, 0-6) who three times pulled within one in the fourth quarter of the Golden Coast Conference matchup.

Goals by O'Donell, Jamie Hutton and Katie Fugit in less than 2 minutes midway through the third quarter extended the California Baptist lead to a comfortable 10-5 margin.

But Nguyen set up Battilega for three straight goals that pulled the Broncos within 10-9 midway through the fourth.

Hutton and O'Donell helped the Lancers answer back by scoring two in a row with the extra attacker.

However, Battilega and Fredrickson tallied back-to-back goals to cut the deficit back to one.

But Vicky Martinez potted the game-winner with 1:42 left on a feed from Hutton, one of her three assists.

Lauren Voss scored on the power play for Santa Clara, but there were only 28 seconds left and the Lancers ran out the clock on the final possession.

"Our offense executed well down the stretch, but we needed to play better on defense in a couple crucial situations," Santa Clara head coach Keith Wilbur said.

Gabi Sicat had two goals and one assist, and Lauren Voss one goal and two assists for the Broncos.

Kyra Foley went the distance in net for the Lancers. She posted eight blocks in securing the victory.

Santa Clara's goal total matched a season-high and it scored four of its nine opportunities on the power play.

"I think our team is playing better every week, and they just put together a really good battle against a very good Cal Baptist team," Wilbur said.

NEXT UP
The Broncos will close out the regular season on Saturday at home against Fresno State. Start time is 1 p.m.

NOTES
• Mia Battilega, Malena Nguyen, Natalie Brauser, Elle Fredrickson, Lauren Voss and Gabi Sicat started the game.
• Liyara Senadheera started in net and was credited with eight saves. She suffered the loss. Grace Kavanagh played the final 16 minutes and had three saves.