The University of Redlands women's water polo team served as co-host of the Cal Baptist University Lancer Invite on Friday and Saturday, with the Bulldogs earning split results during four contests. Redlands knocked off Azusa Pacific University in its opening game by a score of 10-7 and then followed that up with a 15-6 decision against the Virginia Military Institute. Saturday's showings came up just short with a 9-10 loss to George Washington University (DC) and a 7-9 defeat to Iona College (NY).
Against APU, the Maroon and Gray relied on a two-headed scoring attack as senior center Jaime Nippert (Gresham, OR) and junior center-defender Jill Stein (Palm Desert, CA) combined for all 10 goals.
After trailing by three, Redlands erupted for six consecutive netters during the third period, with Nippert and Stein splitting the effort.
Up 8-5, the Bulldogs maintained their lead through the final whistle, resulting in the 10-7 victory over the NAIA opponent.
Sophomore goalkeeper Julie Lupfer (San Diego, CA) stepped up with seven saves in the cage.
In the team's second contest, Redlands jumped out to a 3-0 lead and continued to roll to a 15-6 victory over VMI.
The Maroon and Gray benefitted from a more balanced offense as eight different players found the back of the net in the lopsided triumph. Senior center Joy Corona (Lake Bluff, IL) supplied a team-high four goals, while Nippert, Stein, freshman center-defender Deandra Van Houten (Huntington Beach, CA), and freshman driver Christina Almazan (Anaheim, CA) scored two apiece.
Lupfer and freshman goalkeeper Grace Trilla (Western Springs, IL) shared time in the cage, recording five and four saves, respectively.
On Saturday, the Bulldogs rallied back to tie it up at 7-all against George Washington but gave up back-to-back goals late in the third period, which proved to be the difference.
Nippert and Corona led the Maroon and Gray with their multi-netter performances.
Redlands faced an early 1-4 deficit against Iona and never recovered against the NCAA Division I foe.
Lupfer shined with 11 saves in the cage.
The Bulldogs (9-9) head to Cal State Bakersfield for the Roadrunner Invite on Saturday and Sunday, beginning with battle against the University of La Verne at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday.
