Promising Start For Otters In Season–Opener Versus SCU

January 26, 2019 | By: By Kevin Gilmore (@OtterKevin)

Morgan Tucker scores a career–high 4 goals, freshman Kaitlin Rooney adds a hat trick

SEASIDE, Calif. — Although the final score didn't go its way, the Cal State Monterey Bay water polo team gave its fans plenty to be excited about in a 14–11 season–opening loss to Santa Clara University Saturday afternoon in The Otter Tank.

Senior center Morgan Tucker (San Diego/Clairemont HS) led the way with a career–high four goals, but several Otter freshman shined brightly as well in their debutante performances. Freshman Kaitlin Rooney (Morgan Hill/Presentation HS) scored three times before fouling out midway through the fourth quarter. Fellow freshman Olivia Centis (Beaverton, Ore./Westview HS) added a goal and three assists.

"Today's game was a great kick off to the season," said CSUMB Head Coach Emily Schmit. "It was a close ballgame that had a little bit of everything, including a strong comeback in the second and third periods. I'm extremely pleased with how the team played and players stepping up into new roles."

The Otters jumped on the board first when Centis fed freshman Hannah Kharazi (Clovis North HS) to break the ice 3:30 into the match. It was tied at 3–3 with less than a minute remaining in the first quarter when Santa Clara appeared to take control with a 5–0 run over the ensuing six minutes to jump ahead 8–3.

That's when the Otter defense rose up, allowing just one Bronco goal over the next 10:50. With Santa Clara quieted, the Otters clawed their way back to tie the match at 9–9 and again at 10–10 on Rooney's second and third markers three minutes into the fourth quarter.

Santa Clara had one burst left, however, and scored four times in its next four possessions to put the match out of reach.

Senior Shelby Stephens (Stockton/Lincoln HS) played all 32 minutes and made seven saves for CSUMB. Lydia Dodd went the distance and made seven saves for Santa Clara.

The Otters hits the road for the next five weeks, beginning with four matches at the Arizona State Cross Conference Challenge in Tempe, Ariz. Feb. 2–3. CSUMB will open tournament play with matches against Azusa Pacific and Princeton on Feb. 2

GO OTTERS!

Print Friendly Version