The University of Redlands women's water polo team faced the 'Roos of Austin College (TX) in a non-conference match at the Thompson Aquatic Center on Saturday morning. After jumping out to a 6-1 lead in the first quarter, the Bulldogs orchestrated a seven-goal third frame to roll to a 16-7 win.
Redlands held the 'Roos scoreless for nearly six minutes while also limiting their opportunities in front of the net with stellar defense. In addition, the Bulldogs roared out to a 4-0 run that began with a power-play at the 5:48-mark when senior center Kolby Kahahawai (Kailua, HI) not only drew the exclusion but fired one past the Austin goalkeeper. First-year attacker Holly Kvanvig (Beaverton, OR) scored the first of her four goals in the game, with this one coming off junior attacker Hunter Olivier's (Indio, CA) assist with 5:31 left in the first. After Kahahawai converted a penalty shot, Olivier delivered the ball to senior attacker Katelyn Jenkins (Bellevue, WA), who capped off the Bulldogs' four-goal spurt.
Although the 'Roos pulled one back, Redlands responded with two more goals to finish the first ahead by a score of 6-1. First-year attacker Nicolette Ramirez (Whittier, CA) notched the first of her four-goal tally during this stretch, while Olivier showed off her finesse with a lob for the score.
However, the second period saw a role reversal with the two teams, as Austin out-scored the Bulldogs, 4-1, to make it a two-goal game. Redlands' only netter came off Jenkins' assist and Olivier's hot hand.
Following the halftime intermission, the Bulldogs entered the final two periods with a new sense of urgency. They went on to dominate by a 9-2 scoring margin to secure the solid win. Highlighting the home team's effort, Kvanvig and Ramirez each produced second-half hat tricks for the Maroon and Gray.
Overall, Redlands earned assists on 12 of its goals, with Jenkins and Olivier providing three apiece. Olivier also tallied three goals and three steals.
Senior goalkeeper Kelly Grosswendt (Newbury Park, CA) made nine stops and swiped two steals in a complete-game effort between the posts.
Redlands (10-11) heads to Cal Lutheran University on Wednesday, March 20, for 4 p.m. Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) showdown against the Regals.
