BOX SCORE

SEASIDE, Calif. — Santa Clara University took an entertaining battle, 13–7, from Cal State Monterey Bay Friday afternoon in the Otter Tank. It was the season opener for both teams.

The first goal of 2018 belonged to junior Olivia Woolery (San Diego/Clairemont HS), who gave the Otters a 1–0 lead less than two minutes into the contest. But junior center Hannah Buck scored three of the next five to help the Broncos forge a 4–3 lead after the first quarter.

Buck then closed a 3–goal SCU second quarter to give the Broncos a 7–3 lead at the break. Sophomore Angela Steele (Agoura HS) scored a pair of fourth quarter goals, but it wasn't enough to stop SCU from easing away.
 

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THE GAME WAS OVER WHEN… Gabi Sicat's goal three minutes into the fourth quarter gave Santa Clara an 11–6 lead.

FOR OPENERS… Opening days have been tough for the Otters throughout their history. CSUMB is now just 2–12 all–time on opening day. The Otters' last opening day win came in the form of a 17–6 win over Cal Maritime on Jan. 26, 2008.

FOR HOME OPENERS… CSUMB's record in home openers is exactly the same as it is in  all openers, with its last win the aforementioned victory over Cal Maritime.

YOUNG 'UNS… The Otter water polo squad is insanely young this season. Of the 19 players on the active roster, only attacker Lucy Gates claims senior class status. The roster features eight freshmen and five sophomores.

LEADERS OF THE RAFT… GOALS: Angela Steele 2; ASSISTS: Angela Steele 2; SHOTS: Marisa Lovos 11; STEALS: Lucy Gates 2; SAVES: Shelby Stephens 5.

THE LAST WORD… "We started off really strong and played an aggressive offense and defense—the score at the end of first was a reflection of that.  A lot of good things happened second through fourth quarters, we just needed to be more consistent throughout the game.  It was exciting to see big goals from Woolery and Steele, as well as seeing freshman McBride and Lyckfors stepping up to fill in big roles for us." – CSUMB Head Coach Emily Schmit

THEY'VE GOT NEXT… The Otters head to Thousand Oaks Feb. 2 to take on SoCal foes Cal State Northridge (10 a.m.) and Cal Lutheran (4 p.m.)