Christina Ferrante/CSUMB Athletics

Big Days From Ortega, Rooney Lead Otters To Sweep

February 28, 2020 | By: By Kevin Gilmore (@OtterKevin)

Otters defeat Austin College, 14–8, and Chapman University, 15–12, at Tina Finali Invite

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Huge offensive performances from sophomores Kaya Ortega (Fullerton HS) and Kaitlin Rooney (Morgan Hill/Presentation HS) led Cal State Monterey Bay to a pair of wins on the opening day of the Tina Finali Invitational Friday afternoon at the Samuelson Aquatics Center on the campus of Cal Lutheran University.

The Otters defeated Austin College 14–8 in their opening match before taking an entertaining 15–12 decision from Chapman University.

Ortega matched her career high with five goals in the opener versus Austin. Rooney was even more impressive, matching her own career highs with four goals and five assists.

CSUMB trailed the Roos 3–2 after the first quarter, but put five on the board in the second to take a 7–4 halftime lead. Another 5–goal burst in the fourth quarter gave the Otters what turned out to be a comfortable win.

Ortega and Rooney both added their second hat tricks of the day to help the Otters tame the Panthers in their second game. Freshman Cecile Judy (Alameda HS) completed her first collegiate hat trick with a huge late goal that gave the Otters some breathing room after Chapman had pulled to within 13–12 with two minutes remaining.

Senior Angela Steele (Agoura HS) and freshman goalkeeper Zoe Grammer (Placentia/El Dorado HS) led the Otter defense. Steele finished with five steals, including four in the win over Chapman. Grammer made 14 saves, including eight in the win over Austin.

CSUMB concludes play at the Tina Finali Invitational Saturday with games against NCAA Division I foes Indiana (7:30 a.m.) and Cal Baptist (12:30 p.m.).

GO OTTERS!

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