MONTEREY, Calif. - Santa Clara women's water polo had a great overall day in the pool, but ultimately fell just short of getting a win in their 2023 opener. The Broncos fell to Cal State Monterey Bay 11-10 despite a great second half effort that saw them nearly erase a five-goal deficit.
Santa Clara trailed 9-4 at the half, but had a furious rally in the third quarter, outscoring the Otters 4-0 behind goals from Elle Fredrickson (twice), Kate Rodman and Harper Daniels. Daniel's shot came with just 22 seconds reamining on the clock and made it a one-goal game with one period to go. CSMB struck first in the fourth to push the lead back to two, but Fredrickson answered with her third goal of the match. Unfortunately, the Otters had another answer on their next possession and held on to the two-goal advantage until the closing moments of the match when Rodman deposited what would prove to be her fourth goal of the afternoon to make it 11-10. Despite the late score, CSMB was able to run out to clock to escape with the home victory.
Rodman led all scorers with her four goals, tying her career-high in the process. She also was credited with an assist to finish with a game-high five points. Chloe Morrision and freshman Avary Torres, in her collegiate debut, each dished out a pair of assists while fifth-year Lauren Baglietto drew a pair of exclusions to go with a goal and a steal.
Goalkeepers Liyara Senadheera and Georgia Lewis split time in the net with Lewis making seven saves against just two goals allowed in the final 16 minutes of action.
The Broncos return to action next week with a trip to the East Coast to take part in the Bruno Classic hosted by Brown.
GAME NOTES
