SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Santa Clara University women's water polo team put up a strong fight Friday afternoon against a nationally ranked conference opponent, but in the end it was No. 25 San Diego State that pulled away with a 12-7 Golden Coast Conference victory at Sullivan Aquatic Center.
Santa Clara (8-15, 0-5 GCC) trailed by five goals at halftime, 7-2, but it stormed back in the third period. The Broncos scored five unanswered goals in the eight-minute frame, tying the game at 7-7 with the last goal coming from Kate Rodman. Rodman had three goals during SCU's surge, with Harper Daniels and Elle Fredrickson adding one each.
The No. 25 Aztecs (9-14, 2-1 GCC) were shutout in the third period, missing on eight shots – five of those saved by Liyara Senadheera. The Aztecs also turned the ball over three times in the period.
But San Diego State responded in kind in the fourth period, pulling away for the victory with five unanswered goals of its own.
Chloe Morrison and Lauren Baglietto added goals to Rodman's three, and Daniels' and Fredrickson's singles in the third period. Morrison also had two assists. Senadheera made 11 saves in net for Santa Clara.
Amanda Legaspi led San Diego State with three goals.
Santa Clara next hits the road for games at nationally ranked opponents on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday, the Broncos are in Davis to face No. 11 UC Davis. The Broncos return to the South Bay on Sunday for a game at No. 1 Stanford.
