Freshman Jessie Porter scored with 10 seconds left, lifting UCSB to a thrilling 8-7 win over UC Davis in the Big West women’s water polo opener Saturday at Campus Pool.
Porter led the Gauchos (11-7, 1-0) with three goals.
The Gauchos came out ready to play as they took the lead 2-1 after the first quarter, with goals from freshman Samantha Murphy and senior Shelby Haroldson. However, UC Davis was able to tally three goals, taking the lead 5-2 at half.
In the third period, the Gauchos got two goals from Porter and one from Bryn Hudson, and solid play from goalie Ruth Milne to close the gap to 6-5.
The Gauchos started the quarter with a goal from senior Kacey Creek to tie the game. The teams went head to head as they each scored one more goal to keep the game tied 7-7 with 1:33 left. With only ten seconds to go, Porter scored an outstanding goal for the game winner.
UCSB heads to Loyola Marymount University on Thursday, March 14.
UCSB 8, UC Davis 7
