The University of Redlands women's water polo team competed for the first time this season, hosting the Redlands Mini-Tournament on Sunday at the Thompson Aquatic Center. The Bulldogs came out firing on all cylinders, posting 25 goals in two victories.
Redlands opened with a non-conference duel against Pomona-Pitzer Colleges and stifled the Sagehens with a 14-6 win. Junior Jaime Nippert (Gresham, OR) exploded for four goals to lead the Maroon and Gray, while junior newcomer Dianna Melancon (Riverside, CA) scored twice in her Bulldog debut. In addition, Redlands' eight other goals came from eight different players.
Freshman goalkeeper Julie Lupfer (San Diego, CA) and senior goalkeeper Tiana Singley (Benicia, CA) shared time in the cage, mustering five and two saves, respectively.
Against Cal State San Bernardino, the Redlands offense continued to shine, knocking in 11 goals against the Coyotes en route to an 11-7 victory. The Maroon and Gray gained hat tricks from junior center Joy Corona (Lake Buff, IL) and sophomore center-defender Jill Stein (Palm Desert, CA), while junior driver Jamie Paul (Sandy, OR) stepped up with two scores. Three other players found the back of the net one time.
Lupfer and Singley covered the goalkeeping responsibilities, earning seven and two stops, respectively.
In other action, CSUSB downed Pomona-Pitzer by a score of 11-5.
Redlands (2-0) heads to Riverside for the Lancer Invitational at Cal Baptist University on Friday. The Bulldogs take on Azusa Pacific University at 11 a.m., followed by a 2:45 p.m. showdown against the host school.
