This past weekend the UCSD women’s club water polo team ventured into SDSU territory to compete in the Aztec Invitational. This was the first time the newly formed A and B teams were able to get some action playing together, and it was impressive.
The B team came out fighting, winning their first game of the weekend against SDSU B 7-6. Later that day they played UC Davis putting up a fight for a final score of 2-8. The second day of the tournament, B team had high hopes taking on Cal Poly B and UCLA B. They put up a tough defense with numerous steals and blocks throughout the day, but that was not enough to stop the Mustangs and Bruins. The B team finished 1-3 this weekend with determination to place higher next tournament.
The B team’s defensive line was backed by two amazing goalies. Goalie Alex Bussey finished her time with UCSD’s water polo program with a total of 21 blocks this weekend while Goalie Dani Gonzalez showed up with 3 steals. Accompanying in steals, Jade Chismar had 5 steals this weekend with Abby Gabel following close behind. Offensively there were goals across the board with Taylor Humphreys and Clio Goodwin taking the lead with four goals each.
A team started with a bang, and left SDSU’s pool deck in the same fashion. They started off playing UCLA A with a win 11-3. Their second matchup was Cal Poly A where they were tied at half but pulled through for a 10-8 win. The second day of the tournament, A team began the morning with a win against UCLA B then had a quick turn around before their following game against rivals SDSU A. The last time the Tritons faced SDSU they lost their spot to Nationals so this time they took no chances. In a nail-biting game, UCSD A defeated SDSU 7-6 for an overall record of 4-0 this weekend.
For the A team, success was spread around the board this weekend. Returning Goalie, Story Waxman, had 5 blocks and 2 steals and Goalie Brynna Moore had 8 blocks and 1 steal. Defensively, Kayleigh Dennen led with 8 steals this weekend while Cecilia Sommerfield had 2 fieldblocks. On the attacking end, Tania Frank had a triumphant shooting streak with 7 goals during the games. Daphne Neilan, Elizabeth Hernandez, and Amanda Martilla followed with 6, 6, and 5 goals respectively. UCSD A team tallied up 45 steals and 40 goals this weekend at the Aztec Pool.
UCSD’s water polo program is back with the goal of making it to Nationals once again. They’re eager for more playing time and look forward to hosting a home tournament in the following weeks.
