Water Polo Wins Season Opener

Senior veterans lead the women's water polo team to first 2020 victory

The women’s water-polo team opened up its 2020 campaign with a win over Fresno State last Saturday. The Broncos defeated the Sunbirds 13-7, and dominated the game from the whistle. 

They scored three goals in a span of three minutes from the end of the first quarter into the second quarter to build a 6-4 lead. Santa Clara kept the pressure on, scoring the first three goals of the third quarter to extend the lead 10-5. Senior attacker Hailey Eberle led Santa Clara with a total of four goals and four assists, and senior goalkeeper Lydia Dadd defended the net with 15 saves. 

Santa Clara returned 19 players from last year’s team, eight of which are seniors who add veteran expertise to the team’s dynamic. Head coach Kevin Wilbur commented on his returning squad. 

“We have eight seniors and I definitely think their experience and leadership will have a big impact on the team,” Wilbur said. “It is a very diverse class that has gone through a lot over the past three years. I think they are working very well together and setting a great example for the whole team.”

The Broncos will play their next game at Cal State Monterey Bay this Saturday, and will open up their season at home on Feb. 15 against Sonoma State.

Contact Lacey Yahnke at lyahnke@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.