Jan. 30, 2011
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The 11th-ranked San Diego State water polo team wrapped up play at the UCSB Winter Invitational on Sunday and split its final two matches. The Aztecs were edged by No. 7 Michigan, 12-11, before defeating Concordia, 13-5, and return home with a 3-1 record.
Against 2010 NCAA Tournament participant Michigan, SDSU played even with the Wolverines over the first three quarters. The game was tied at three after one, UM took a 7-5 lead into halftime and a 5-3 third quarter helped the Aztecs knot the contest at 10 heading into the final period. Both teams scored a goal apiece as the score was tied at 11 with the clock running down, but Michigan's Ryley Plunkett found the back of the net with 2:37 to play and the Aztecs were unable to find the equalizing goal as they fell for the first time in 2011.
Amber Pezzolla, Alex Ford, Leanne Ford and Kimmy Keach all scored twice for SDSU, while Sarah Brady, Ashley Novack and Meaghan Poland added single goals in defeat.
In the final game against Concordia, San Diego State put up a pair of four spots in the first two quarters and carried an 8-3 lead into the mid-game intermission. Then over the last two periods, the Aztecs outscored their opposition, 5-2, and held Concordia off the scoreboard in the final quarter as they went on to post the eight-goal victory.
Poland and Keach both scored another two goals, as did Ronni Gautschi, Meghann Pedersen and Samantha Voigt. Pezzolla, Alana Burgess and Rachel Miller, meanwhile, each scored one goal apiece.
SDSU returns to action Saturday, Feb. 5, when it plays host to Long Beach State at Aztec Aquaplex. First sprint is slated for 2 p.m. PT.
No. 7 Michigan 12, No. 11 San Diego State 11
SDSU 3-2-5-1--11
Michigan 3-4-3-2--12
SDSU Goals: Amber Pezzolla 2, Alex Ford 2, Leanne Ford 2, Kimmy Keach 2, Sarah Brady, Ashley Novack, Meaghan Poland.
Michigan Goals: Lauren Orth 4, Alison Mantel 3, Kiki Golden 3, Meagan Cobb, Ryley Plunkett*.
* Scored game-winner with 2:37 to go in the fourth quarter.
No. 11 San Diego State 13, Concordia 5
SDSU 4-4-3-2--13
Concordia 2-1-2-0--5
SDSU Goals: Ronni Gautschi 2, Meaghan Poland 2, Kimmy Keach 2, Meghann Pedersen 2, Samantha Voigt 2, Amber Pezzolla, Alana Burgess, Rachel Miller.
Concordia Goals: Christine Gonzalez 2, Sheri Gallegos 2, Katherine Manderino.