SEASIDE, CALIF.--As the regular season schedule begins to wind down for the Cal State Monterey Bay women's water polo team, the careers of six seniors are as well. First however, the Otters have business to take care of in the pool.
"I think everybody is aware of how important the game is against East Bay,' says Otter Head Coach
Gary Figueroa. 'We've always tried to be at our best when we play East Bay. Against Concordia-Irvine, it's a good opportunity for us to play an opponent who is about our same level."
After the game with Concordia-Irvine, the Otters will celebrate their six seniors.
"Senior Day is always a sad part of what we do, to say goodbye,' says Figueroa. 'A majority of these girls have been with us for four years. They've worked hard and will leave their legacy here."
Play begins at 1:30pm with the WWPA match versus Cal State East Bay. First sprint versus Concordia-Irvine is set for 4:30pm.
SCOUTING OTTER MINI TOURNAMENT: East Bay's record of 9-8 doesn't do them justice. Against top-notch competition the Pioneers have played very well, including earning a 14-13 victory over then No. 17 Hartwick. Concordia-Irivine is 16-14 on the season.
LAST MEETING: The Otters and Cal State East Bay last met on Feb. 17 of this season at Pioneer Pool. CSUEB scored seven goals in each half in route to a 14-7 win. The Otters were led by
Christina Keller's two goals. CSUMB last met with Concordia-Irvine on Mar. 31, 2012. The Otters earned a 12-10 victory behind a strong offensive attach and eight saves by
Paige Robinson in the cage.
LAST DIP IN THE POOL: CSUMB played five games in just three days this past weekend. The Otters lone victory was a big one. CSUMB earned it's first WWPA win of the season over Cal State San Bernardino, 10-8.
ESPN STUDENT-ATHLETE OF WEEK: Senior center
Jackie Walters earned ESPN Central Coast 630 Student-Athlete of the Week Honors for the week of Jan. 20. Highlighted by four goals in a victory over APU, Walters led the Otters to a Saturday sweep in Fresno over APU and FPU.
KAP7 PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Walters put yet another accomplishment on her mantle for the 2013 season as she was named KAP7 Co-Player of the Week on Mar. 13. Walters scored 11 goals in four games (including 2 against No. 3 ASU) at the Roadrunner Invitational.
OTTER LEADERS: Walters leads the Otters in goals this season with 52.
Alex Tyrrell leads the team with 30 assists while
Julie Cooper has a team-high 51 steals. In the goal,
Amanda Jennings has recorded 181 saves.
MORE THAN 32 MINUTES OF PLAY?: The Otters began their season with a dramatic 13-12 OT loss to rival Sonoma State. CSUMB didn't play an overtime game during the entire 2012 season. The last overtime match you ask? A 12-10 win over Cal State Bakersfield at the WWPA Tournament on May 1, 2011.
SAVED BY THE JENNINGS: Sophomore goalie
Amanda Jennings continues to impress in the goal this season. Her 12.92 saves per match average is good for first in the WWPA. CSUMB's 12 saves per game also ranks first in the conference.
UNDERWATER THIEF: Otter senior
Julie Cooper has had a knack for taking things that aren't hers this season. Cooper's 51 steals are good for second place among athletes in the WWPA.
