On Saturday and Sunday, the University of Redlands women's water polo program competed against stiff competition at the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunner Invite, capturing victories against NAIA opponent Fresno Pacific University and the University of La Verne.

Opening up tournament play, the U of R handily defeated the La Verne Leopards by a final score of 12-5. The Maroon and Gray jumped out to an early 3-1 lead after the first period and then cruised through the next two quarters, allowing La Verne to only score one netter.

Senior center Joy Corona (Lake Bluff, IL) punched home four goals to lead the crew, while fellow senior center Jaime Nippert (Gresham, OR) and freshman Hannah Ongman (Flossmoor, IL) also registered a multi-goal showing.

In goal for the Bulldogs, sophomore Julie Lupfer (San Diego, CA) recorded four saves in the lopsided win.

During Saturday's second contest, Redlands came from behind to edge out Fresno Pacific in a 10-6 decision. The Sunbirds grabbed an early 4-2 start, but the Bulldogs fired back with seven unanswered scores to nab the win.

On the offensive side of the pool, the U of R put together a well-balanced effort with six different players collecting a score. Highlighting the Maroon and Gray's attack, freshman Haley Hollinrake (Redlands, CA) recorded a hat trick.

Lupfer once again held down the cage, stopping five shots in a complete-game effort.

Redlands faced a tough draw on Sunday and suffered losses to NCAA Division I competitors, Hartwick College (NY) and Cal State Bakersfield. After a difficult 5-16 defeat to the Hawks, the Maroon and Gray battled it out against the host school, falling in a competitive 6-9 decision.

The Bulldogs (11-11) open Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) competition on Saturday with an 11 a.m. tilt against the Whittier College Poets at the Thompson Aquatic Center. Redlands also hosts Cal Baptist University at 2 p.m.