Jan. 24, 2014
Santa Barbara, Calif.----- A goal by Victoria Smithwith nine seconds remaining in the match and an eight-goal second quarter explosion resulted in a pair of San Jose State University wins on the first day of the UC Santa Barbara Winter Invitational women's water polo tournament.
The #12-ranked Spartans edged #17-ranked UC Santa Barbara, 9-8, on Smith's game-winning goal in the opener. Then, San Jose State put away Azusa Pacific, 18-6, in its second match of the day.
Sophomore Rae Lekness matched her single-game career scoring high of six goals in the UC Santa Barbara victory. Goalkeeper Maddie Reardonwas credited with 10 saves.
"We were in foul trouble and turned over the ball 14 times, but I'm glad we had the composure to beat Santa Barbara at home," said San Jose State interim head coach Johnny Bega.
Freshman Clara Espar finished the day with six goals including a five-goal outburst in the Azusa Pacific triumph. Eleven Spartans scored in the nightcap. Freshman Katelynn Thompsonstarted for the second time this season and made eight saves in the win.
"Our defense was right on (against Azusa Pacific). Our starters played the first half and our reserves finished it up. It was good experience for them," Bega said about the Azusa Pacific victory.
San Jose State takes a three-match winning streak into contests against Fresno Pacific and #6-ranked UC Irvine on January 25 to wrap up its two days at the UC Santa Barbara Winter Invitational.
San Jose State University women's water polo
UC Santa Barbara Winter Invitational
Santa Barbara, Calif.
January 24, 2014
| Score By Quarters | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| #12-San Jose State (5-1) | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 9 |
| #17-UC Santa Barbara (1-1) | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 8 |
Goal scoring |
San Jose State - Rae Lekness, 6; Victoria Smith, 1; Clara Espar, 1; Bianca Seyfert, 1. |
UC Santa Barbara - Lauren Martin, 4; Bryn Hudson, 2; Carly Christian, 2. |
| Goalkeeper Saves |
San Jose State - Maddie Reardon, 10. |
UC Santa Barbara - Mackenzie Brokaw, 8. |
| Score By Quarters | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Azusa Pacific (0-2) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| #12-San Jose State (6-1) | 3 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 18 |
| Goal scoring |
Azusa Pacific - Maryann Slama, 3; Alynn Reede, 1; Taylor Whitney, 1; Megan Minekime, 1. |
San Jose State - Clara Espar, 5; Kelli Leabo, 3; Victoria Smith, 2; Rachel Henry, 1; Timi Molnar, 1; Cara Robinson, 1; Dani Styles, 1; Rae Lekness, 1; Brittany Krappe, 1; Bianca Seyfert, 1; Donia Momen, 1. |
| Goalkeeper Saves |
Azusa Pacific - Katie Margot, 8. |
| San Jose State - Katelynn Thompson, 8. |