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Shelby Stephens vs. Santa Clara

Shorthanded Otters Play Tough Against NCAA Division I Foes

Morgan tucker scores four goals, Shleby Stephens makes 24 saves in losses to Santa Clara, UC Davis

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Despite missing three regulars from the lineup, the Cal State Monterey Bay water polo team gave two strong performance Saturday afternoon before bowing to Santa Clara University, 12–7, and No. 11 UC Davis, 14–7 at Santa Clara's Sullivan Aquatic Center.

With Angela Steele and Marisa Lovos nursing injuries and Olivia Boisen traveling as part of a research opportunity, CSUMB dressed as few as nine field players for Saturday's doubleheader. That appeared to have an immediate impact as Santa Clara raced to a 8–1 lead late into the first half.

Back–to–back goals by Olivia Centis (Beaverton, Ore./Westview HS) to close the first half and open the second, got the Otters rolling. Although the early hole proved too deep, CSUMB out–scored the Broncos 6–1 over the final 18 minutes.

Nationally–ranked UC Davis also jumped out to a quick early lead before the Otters found their sea legs. After falling behind by scores of 6–0 and 9–2, CSUMB roared back, matching them goal for goal while playing the final 15 minutes of the match to a 5–5 draw.

"Injuries left us really short handed today. We had 11 field players against Santa Clara and only 9 against Davis," said CSUMB Head Coach Emily Schmit. "The first half of the Santa Clara game was difficult but, after making some adjustments, the team stepped up and rose to the challenge. We asked a lot of some young players and it was really exciting to see what we can do regardless of circumstances."

Morgan Tucker (San Diego/Clairemont HS) led the Otter offense with four goals Saturday, scoring twice in each game. Freshman Kaitlin Rooney (Morgan Hill/Presentation HS) scored three times, including twice against UC Davis.

Senior goalkeeper Shelby Stephens (Lincoln HS/San Joaquin Delta College) had a strong day in goal for the Otters. She made 22 saves on the day and backstopped a penalty kill that denied six of eight Davis power play opportunities in the late game.

CSUMB continues its marathon 13–match roadtrip by heading to Southern California next weekend to play in the Claremont Convergence tournament. The Otters will open tournament play Friday (Mar. 1) with matches against Chapman University and Whittier College.




 
GO OTTERS!



 
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