THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - More than two weeks after diving into the 2017 season, the Cal Lutheran women's water polo team returned to action at the Samuelson Aquatics Center today where the Regals defeated the University of Toronto, 9-6, for their first victory of the spring.
CLU won the sprint thanks to Megan Seeman and Victoria Rose Meek put in the first goal of the game on a behind-the-back shot as the center. Nikki Roed also scored from center and the teams were tied at 2-2 after the opening period of play.
The second stanza sprint went to Univ. Of Toronto, but Roed converted a skip-shot goal on a pass from Seeman to take a 3-2 advantage. Kristi McGee got a big field block with five minutes to play in the quarter and the CLU defense stepped up big time after an ejection to the goalkeeper. Erin Cunefare got a block and Meek and McGee saved another attempt moments later. On the ensuing possession, McGee scored to put the home squad up by a pair at 4-2.
After the break, UT cut the deficit to one, 4-3, and the teams promptly traded goals until the scoreboard read 6-4 in favor of the home team with 2:36 to play in the third period. Seeman found the back of the net to give the Violet and Gold a 7-4 advantage going into the final eight minutes of action.
In the fourth quarter, Cal Lutheran maintained its lead. KC Brendel netted a five-meter shot for an 8-5 lead and each program added one more in the final 5:35 of regulation.
Seven Regals scored with Roed and Young each tallying two while Brendel, McGee, Meek, Seeman and Christin Hirn added one apiece. Six different players handed out an assist and Both Meek and Roed drew a pair of ejections as CLU totaled 10 overall.
Defensively, Brendel and Cunefare recorded two field blocks apiece and McGee and Seeman each notched one as well. Hirn paced the pack with two steals as CLU combined for nine from eight different student-athletes. Guarding the goal, keeper Bailey Meyer recorded nine saves while nabbing a steal.
Cal Lutheran (1-2) hosts the 10-team Third Annual Tina Finali Invitational, Tenth Annual Cal Lutheran Tournament at the SAC this weekend from Friday to Sunday, Feb. 24-26. Competition begins at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, though CLU will not suit up until 4:30 p.m. for its first of five games over the three days.
Box Score: CLU 9, UOT 6
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