The University of Redlands women's water polo team jumped into Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) competition when it traveled to Eagle Rock on Wednesday. With persistence and perseverance, the Bulldogs came out on top of a defensive battle against the Tigers, winning by a score of 6-5.
Oxy gained a slight 2-1 edge after the first period but the Maroon and Gray responded with two goals and a shutout defensive performance in the second stanza, providing the difference in the tight contest.
From here, the teams battled through the final two frames, trading goal for goal en route to the Bulldogs' 6-5 victory.
Senior goalkeeper Julie Lupfer (San Diego, CA) stepped up with big plays between the pipes, racking up 10 saves in the process.
Junior center-defender Deandra Van Houten (Huntington Beach, CA) led the Maroon and Gray offense with a hat trick, while sophomore driver Annie Kinney (Newport Beach, CA) fired off two goals and senior center Jaci Cochrane (San Bernardino, CA) supplied one score.
Redlands (9-14, 1-0 SCIAC) continues SCIAC action on Saturday when the team travels to Whittier College for an 11 a.m. showdown against the Poets. Fans may follow the action through live-streaming at http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/whittier.portal#. A small access fee is required for viewing.
