The University of Redlands women's water polo team staved off a late push by the Regals of Cal Lutheran University in tonight's Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) showdown and prevailed by a score of 10-9 in sudden victory overtime.
After trailing early in the game, the Bulldogs rallied for an 8-6 lead less than a minute into the fourth frame, but CLU pushed back with back-to-back scores to force the first extra period.
After a scoreless overtime stanza, the teams traded goals in the subsequent frame before entering the sudden victory period. Junior center Jaime Nippert (Gresham, OR) converted her third goal of the game by scoring on the first Bulldog possession, resulting in the exciting 10-9 triumph.
The Maroon and Gray utilized a well-rounded offense with Nippert, sophomore center-defender Mandy Nussbaum (Bellevue, WA) and junior driver Casey Sripramong (Glendale, CA) contributing two goals apiece. Sophomore driver Moana Tuipulotu (Lahaina, HI), junior center Joy Corona (Lake Bluff, IL) and sophomore center-defender Jill Stein (Palm Desert, CA) each found the back of the net on one occasion.
Freshman goalkeeper Julie Lupfer (San Diego, CA) continued her strong play in the cage, collecting seven saves in the win.
Redlands (14-8, 2-0 SCIAC) looks forward to hosting a twin bill on Saturday, facing Whittier College in a conference match at 11 a.m. and then taking on regional foe Chapman University at 3 p.m. Both games take place at the Thompson Aquatic Center.
