The water polo team went 1-5 in its West Coast appearance at the California Lutheran University Spring Classic over spring break in Thousand Oaks, Calif. 

The ‘Cats fell in their first matches against Cal Lutheran, Claremont M-S, California Baptist, Ponoma-Pitzer and California State Northridge but rallied in their last match to defeat University of La Verne. 

In their tournament opener against host Cal Lutheran, sophomore Jen Soares tallied three goals, junior Maria Apablasa contributed another two and junior Nicole Lum added one more in the 6-12 loss. Senior goalie Andrea La Fevers totaled four saves on shots on goal.

Later that night, the team found themselves in a close match with Claremont M-S. Going into the fourth quarter, the Wildcats were down 1-5. 

A three goal run put the Wildcats down by only one, but time unfortunately out ran to end the game 4-5. Soares, freshman Hannah Ishida, sophomore Sara Kane and junior Kathleen Maloney added a goal apiece, while La Fevers blocked 12 shots in the net. 

The next morning, the Wildcats found themselves in tough competition with Cal Baptist, falling 7-18. Freshman Julia Penkal led the way with three goals. 

Classmates Ishida and Lauren Peachey and sophomore Sarah Armel and Lum each added another goal each.

The day continued with another tough match again Pomona-Pitzer. Double goals from Soares and Maloney and another Kane goal were not enough to conquer Ponoma-Pitzer. The Wildcats ended the day with a 5-13 defeat. 

Soares and Maloney continued their goal streak the next day with another two goals apiece in their loss again Cal State Northridge. Kane and Armel tallied another goal each. 

Cal State Northridge had seven different players score in the loss.

After a rough tournament, the Wildcats went into the last game ready for a rally. The ‘Cats did just that, with a decisive win over La Verne 14-7. 

Freshman Katie Hannigan’s team-high three goals was complimented by Ishida, Kane and Apablasa’s two goals each. Penkal, Peachey, freshman Maria Campanile, Maloney and freshman Kristy Majetich secured the win with another goal each. In goal, La Fevers tallied seven saves.

Up next, the team will travel to the Penn State Behrend Invitational on March 20-21 to take on Chatham, Mercyhurst, PSU-Behrend and Cannon. The team will look to right a sinking ship at the Penn State Invitational.