SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Santa Clara University's women's water polo team jumped out to a big lead and held on for a Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) win over Sonoma State 6-4 Sunday afternoon in Southern California.

Senior Laura Espinosa (pictured) anchored the Bronco offense, drawing four kick outs against Sonoma St. and two five-meter penalties. Senior classmate Marina Allen converted one of those penalties in the first quarter and sophomore Claire Eadington added another in the second. SCU led 6-3 at the half.

"Both teams played really well defensively in our game with Sonoma State today," said Santa Clara head coach Keith Wilbur. "We had a number of 6-on-5 opportunities and it's unfortunate we did not convert many. We have to do a better job of getting a higher 6-on-5 percentage moving forward."

Santa Clara, who is now 1-1 in WWPA play, scored four unanswered goals in the fourth quarter of their non-conference game with Concordia Sunday morning, getting within one goal at 9-8 in the fourth quarter but fell 11-8. Espinosa scored, drew three kick outs and drew a five-meter penalty shot in that morning game.

"We play Michigan at home next Friday and then travel to Monterey Saturday," added Wilbur. "I liked our defense in our last game today and if we can convert on offense next week we will be where we want to be."