IRVINE — The No. 16 UC Santa Barbara women’s water polo team was unable to overcome No. 8 San Diego State in its opening game of the Big West Conference tournament with a loss of 11-2.
San Diego State opened the game with a quick goal to take an early lead. Senior Shelby Haroldson responded for the Gauchos with a goal of her own less than 30 seconds after the Aztecs goal. SDSU was able to score another two goals to take the lead 3-1 ending the first quarter.
In the beginning of the second quarter, the Aztecs were able to tally another two goals to the board before freshman Holly Smith put a goal into the back of the Aztec net. San Diego State scored two more goals to end the first half up 7-2.
The Gauchos fought hard during the third and fourth quarter, playing impressive defense against San Diego State. Senior Ruth Milne recorded nine saves for the Gauchos, helping the team on the defensive end. Unfortunately, UCSB was unable to register a single goal in the second half and ultimately fell to the Aztecs 11-2.
Sixth-seeded UC Santa Barbara will play seventh-seeded UC Davis on Saturday, April 27 at 1:45 p.m. at the Anteater Aquatic Complex. Win or lose, the Gauchos will play again on Sunday, April 28. Times will depend upon the results from tomorrows match.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final | |
| UCSB | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| SDSU | 3 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 11 |
UCSB Goals: Shelby Haroldson, Holly Smith
UCSB Saves: Ruth Milne 9
SDSU Goals: Hermann 2, Moreno 2, Pezzola 2, Long, Wickliffe, Whalen, Carballo, Gums
SDSU Saves: Mitchell 15, Klingfus
