SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara's women's water polo team secured a thrilling victory over conference opponent Concordia University Irvine (2-7, 0-1) with a 9-8 win in an exhilarating fourth-period finish. Maddie Clough led the team's effort, scoring a career-high four goals, supported by Sydney Maccabe, who netted the winning goal at the buzzer.

• The Broncos (3-3, 1-0) began their conference play at home with an intense battle against the Golden Eagles. Although CUI scored first, Clough quickly responded by slotting the ball through the top left corner. Near the end of the first period, the Golden Eagles managed to find the net, putting the score at 3-1 in their favor.

• Moving into the second period, Maccabe won the sprint, and after the Bronco offense spread the ball, Elle Fredrickson executed a behind-the-back goal, narrowing the score to 3-2.

• After another goal from CUI, Chloe Morrison received the ball from Mila Erceg and scored just as the shot clock expired, ending the first half with the Broncos trailing 4-3.

• The Golden Eagles started the second half strong, going on a 3-0 run. However, Morrison and Clough quickly responded, reducing the deficit to 7-5.

• Santa Clara dominated the fourth period, with Clough scoring two consecutive goals, tying the game at 7-7. Shortly after Clough's second goal, CUI responded, taking a slight lead at 8-7. With the clock ticking down to the two-minute mark, Clough found Fredrickson, tying the game once again at 8-8.

• Both teams tightened their defense, preventing any scoring opportunities. With just three seconds left on the clock, Francesca Moynihan passed to Maccabe, who launched the ball from the opposite end. As the buzzer sounded, the ball sailed over the goalkeeper's head, securing the winning shot and the game for the Broncos.

NOTABLE NUMBERS:

• Liyara Senadheer recorded 11 saves and one steal in the winning match. 

• Fredrickson and Morrison each tallied two goals. 

• The Broncos outscored the Golden Eagles 33 to 29 and had 10 steals to their three. 

NEXT UP: 

• The Broncos continue on to day two of the Bronco Invitational taking on Marist and Austin College tomorrow.