Feb. 5, 2011
SAN DIEGO - The 10th-ranked San Diego State water polo team opened their home schedule with a 9-3 victory against Long Beach State at the Aztec Aquaplex. With the win on Saturday afternoon, SDSU moves to 4-1 on the season.
A trio of Aztecs led the team in scoring, with Amber Pezzolla, Sarah Brady and Leanne Ford each notching two goals apiece. Alex Ford, Kimmy Keach and Meghann Pedersen, meanwhile, each scored once for SDSU.
The Aztecs jumped out to a fast start with a goal by Pezzolla at the 6:48 mark. Alex Ford extended SDSU's lead a few minutes later, but Long Beach State quickly responded to cut the deficit to 2-1. The 49ers then tied the game on a score by Julia Garyfallou to knot it up at 2-2.
Brady opened the scoring in the second quarter with a goal at the 5:52 mark. It was defensive battle from that point, as neither team found the back of the net until Pezzolla netted her second goal of the game to give the Aztecs a 4-2 lead at halftime.
SDSU continued its offensive onslaught in the third quarter with three goals. Keach began the attack with an early score and then Leanne Ford added a tally of her own less than a minute later. Pedersen finished off the Aztecs' successful period with a goal to give SDSU a 7-2 lead.
Long Beach State couldn't find an answer for the Aztecs in the final quarter, as it gave up another early goal to Brady. The 49ers then fouled Leanne Ford on a shot attempt and Ford converted the penalty shot for a commanding 9-2 lead. Long Beach State managed to notch one more score though, as Garyfallou scored her second goal of the game.
Goalkeeper Kelly Campoli made a season-high 20 saves in the net.
SDSU returns to action Friday, Feb. 11, when it plays host to Marist at 3 p.m. at the Aztec Aquaplex.
No. 10 San Diego State 9, Long Beach State 3
Aztec Aquaplex - San Diego, Calif.
LBSU 2-0-0-1--3
SDSU 2-2-3-2---9
LBSU goals: Julia Garyfallou 2, Coriann Snyder
SDSU goals: Amber Pezzolla 2, Sarah Brady 2, Leanne Ford 2, Alex Ford, Kimmy Keach, Meaghan Pedersen
SDSU saves: Campoli: 20