The Runner women’s water polo team had an excellent performance at La Nina Invitational, defeating Occidental College 6-4 and Santa Clara University 5-4 at home.
Occidental College had a great start, as they won the first quarter and came out strong in the second to increase the advantage, 3-0. But Dawn Rodriguez scored the first goal to get the Runners going.
“In the second quarter we came out very strong. We worked together and we got what we wanted,” said Rodriguez.
In the third quarter, CSUB scored three goals and led the match 4-3. Rodriguez and Coral Cozad scored two goals apiece. Hillary Boos and Julie Hanisist scored the rest. The Runners had a 6-4 win.
Goalkeeper Sarah Ashley tallied nine saves, and Occidental couldn’t score anymore.
“We really came together in the second half. It’s amazing the difference with the team that we have this year, we could be champions,” Ashley said.
“They have a very good team and a great goalkeeper. Our goal is to be in the top-10 rankings this year”.
In the second match, CSUB came out with a lot of confidence and strength. The girls defeated Santa Clara 5-4. Boos and Rodriguez each scored two goals for the ‘Runners.
“The first was a warm-up game, but in the second game against Santa Clara we came out very strong from the beginning. The team played really well, with a lot of confidence. They have a good team but we managed that,” said Coach Rafael Guijaro..
“Santa Clara is a Division I team, they look pretty good, but we had control of the game since the beginning,” Rafael added.
To end the tournament, Occidental College defeated Santa Clara 8-7 in a very exciting game.
“We have to keep on winning to maintain our confidence. Our team has a lot of experience and the two new girls that we have are very good,” Rodriguez said.
CSUB return to action in the Claremont Tournament March 2-3 at Cal Poly Pomona. The team returns home to play Indiana University March 13 at 2 p.m.
Runner@csubak.edu