CLAREMONT, Calif. – The University of Redlands women's water polo team (2-12) dropped their first two of four games at the Convergence Tournament as they lost 17-3 against University of California, Merced and 17-5 against McKendree University.
Redlands 3 – UC Merced 17
Unlike the past few games where the Bulldogs got early goals to keep the game close, they were unable to do so against the Bobcats as they were down 11-0 at the half and 12-0 before Alyssa Sorrell continued her hot start to the season with a goal 41 seconds into the third quarter.
Sorrell then made it two in-a-row 33 seconds later, as Aubrey Stevenson found her inside. Redlands' third goal came from Gianna Ratto in the opening two minutes of the fourth after Marlie Potocki found her with space.
Aubree Nabors had three steals and Potocki five along with an assist. Teagan May drew an exclusion, as did Stevenson, and Sorrell had two goals. In goal Sofia Mather made the start and had seven saves and three steals. Natalie Abril played the final 16 minutes and made five saves.
Redlands 5 – McKendree 17
Trailing 6-0 in the first two minutes of the second quarter, Nabors passed it to Lucia Notaro who found the back of the net for the Bulldogs' first goal.
Kiera Federline then set up Sorrell for what would be Redlands' second goal of the quarter.
Redlands defense was great in the second quarter, conceding only once after allowing six to the Bearcats in the opening eight minutes.
The 2-1 run to end the half extended to a 4-3 run in the third as Nabors assisted Notaro on a powerplay and Potocki found Sorrell for another goal as the Bulldogs were within five, 9-4.
McKendree, though, came back with a 5-0 run that extended the deficit to 10, 14-4. Nabors did snap the streak with 3:46 remaining in the game, but the Bearcats had already wrapped up the win.
Nabors had three points, a drawn exclusion, and three steals. Notaro had two goals and three drawn exclusions. Mather made three saves while Abril finished with nine.
Redlands wraps up the tournament tomorrow with games against Carthage College and Biola University at 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
