MERCED, Calif. – A big third quarter lifted Santa Clara women's water polo to a convincing 18-7 win at UC Merced on Sunday. The Broncos (2-11) fell behind by three in the early going, but stormed back and dominated the Bobcats (1-4) from that point forward to come away with the road victory.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

• The teams went back and forth in the early going. After Santa Clara took a 3-2 lead, UC Merced came back with four in a row to get out in front 6-3. The Broncos responded with the final four goals of the half to take a 7-6 lead into the break.
• Santa Clara dominated the third quarter, scoring seven goals in the period while not allowing the Bobcats to get on the board. The big quarter gave the Broncos a 14-6 lead heading into the fourth.
• After three goals to start the fourth for Santa Clara, UC Merced finally scored again to snap a 14-0 Broncos run. Santa Clara would add on one more goal before the final whistle.

NOTABLE:

• Chloe Rizof led the way on offense with five goals. Megan Chambliss had a big day also, scoring four times while adding two assists. Evelyn McLaughlin and Hailey Romano both scored twice with five others tallying a goal each. Haley Tassell picked up 10 saves in the cage.
• Makayla Hemphill scored twice for UC Merced with five others scoring once apiece. Breyenne Pierce and Sophia Milton both had two assists and two others tallied an assist as well. Amelie Ramirez picked up 12 saves.

NEXT UP

• The Broncos play at San Diego State Friday at 1 p.m.