SBCC stormed out to a 4-0 first-quarter lead on Friday afternoon but No. 2 San Diego Mesa chipped away and then dominated the final period in an 8-5 victory in the Southern Cal Regional women’s water polo tournament at Mt. San Antonio College.
The No. 7 Vaqueros, champions of the WSC, had their seven-game win streak snapped and finish the year at 20-13. The Olympians improved to 25-2.
“I thought we had a great game plan, we just didn’t shoot well in the second half,” said coach Chuckie Roth.
On Thursday, the Vaqueros used a 4-1 fourth-quarter surge to top Palomar 10-5. On Friday, Mesa returned the favor, breaking open a 4-4 game with a 4-1 fourth-quarter advantage.
Mackenzie Perez had two goals for Santa Barbara and Mackenzie Richards stopped 14 shots for the second straight day.
The Vaqueros, who started their program last year, tied for fifth in Southern California for the second straight year.
“It’s a bummer way to end the season but you can’t lose sight of the great successes we had,” Roth noted. “Our first 20-win season, a WSC championship and fifth in Southern Cal – all with one returner. I’m so proud of this group of hard-working, caring, coachable and dedicated athletes.
“We will take today’s loss and use it to build the foundation for future success.”
SBCC ……………….…… 4 0 0 1 – 5
San Diego Mesa ……… 0 2 2 4 – 8
Goals – SB: Perez 2, Seale, Carr, Brooks. Goalie saves – SB: Richards 14.
