The UC San Diego Women’s Club Water Polo Team kicked off the 2017 spring break by playing their final qualifying tournament on March 25 and 26 at San Diego State University. The Tritons finished the weekend with an impressive 3-1 record.
In the first game of the weekend, the Tritons were upset by the UCI Anteaters. After keeping the lead through halftime, the Tritons fell short, finishing the game with a score of 7-10. Despite this loss, the team saw an impressive performance from all over the roster, with highlights including Hannah “Shrek” Caskey’s three goals and Kinsey “Kids Meal” Van Deynze’s two. The other two goals came from McKenzie “McRib” Nelson and Cathleen “Pup” Nguyen. The Tritons are ready to take on the Anteaters again in April at the Division Championships to advance to the first place match.
The next match for the Tritons was a triumph, as the Tritons defeated the University of Arizona Wildcats 13-2. Katie “Brad” Archer and Natalie “LieLe” Le each netted three goals, and GK Jenna “TBA” Elder only allowed two of Arizona’s goals past her. The Wildcats failed to get their head in the game while the Tritons bopped straight to the top.
After a long night of rest, the Tritons faced San Diego State “B”, breezing past them 9-6. Goals came from Caskey, Archer, Nguyen, Macey “Mom” Rafter, Natalie “Queen” Popescu, and Allison “Kreamer” Kramer. Popescu also assisted three of these goals. The Tritons proved they rule the San Diego seas.
In the final match of the tournament, the Tritons battled the Arizona State Sun Devils. Their pitchfork was no match for the mighty trident, as the Tritons finished the game 12-7. Popescu, Nguyen, and Caskey each netted three goals, with the remainder of the goals coming from Rafter and Sandhya “Spicy” Sriram.
On April 22nd and 23rd, the Tritons will take the pool in Tempe, Arizona where they will fight in the Southwest Division Championships. Although currently the third seed in the division, they have a chance at coming out on top and are ready to take home a plaque and head to Nationals.
