University of Redlands women's water polo team capped off a busy weekend by hosting Sonoma State University and McKendree University (IL) in a pair of non-conference battles at the Thompson Aquatic Center on Sunday. In a hard-fought match, the Bulldogs fell to Sonoma State in a deceiving 2-6 loss, before capturing an 11-6 win over McKendree for a strong finish to the day.
Against Sonoma, Redlands hung tough with the Seawolves but struggled to find the back of the net, as multiple shots bounced off the cage or just missed. Sophomore center Kolby Kahahawai (Kailua, HI) put Redlands on the board in the second period, while sophomore center Carmen Gardner (South San Francisco, CA) converted a breakaway opportunity in the fourth.
The Maroon and Gray made the necessary adjustments on defense during the final two quarters, as Sonoma State scored only twice. Sophomore goalkeeper Kelly Grosswendt (Newbury Park, CA) stepped up between the posts by making six saves during this stretch.
Against McKendree, Redlands turned a one-goal deficit into a 5-2 lead by the midway point of the game. Sophomore attack player Sami Walker (Taylorsville, UT) initiated the Bulldogs' offense in the second stanza by firing off three-consecutive goals. Junior attack player Michelle Na (Mercer Island, WA) and sophomore attack player Breanna O'Dea (Rowland Heights, CA) added to the team's scoring power with one netter apiece.
The Maroon and Gray continued to pull away with a four-goal outburst in the third frame, as sophomore utility player Rachel Nelson (San Juan Capistrano, CA) and Kahahawai found the back of the net early in the quarter. Junior attack player MaryKate Hunter (Redlands, CA) and Walker closed out the strong period with one goal each.
Walker completed her five-goal performance with another netter in the fourth period, while O'Dea capped off the Bulldogs' solid showing with a late score.
Sophomore goalkeeper Allison Totzke (San Bernardino, CA) patrolled the Redlands cage as an impressive stalwart by providing 17 saves in a complete-game effort.
Redlands (3-6) welcomes Grove City College (PA) to the Thompson Aquatic Center on Monday, March 6, for a non-conference game at 5 p.m. Pending weather issues, this game will be available on live-stream through www.goredlands.com.
