Jan. 9, 2015
San Jose, Calif.---- The People's Republic of China women's water polo team, ranked number-two in the world, scored the final four goals of the match for an 8-4 victory over San Jose State University in an exhibition contest.
Victoria Smith of the Spartans had tied the match at 4-4 after a pair of goals in the first three minutes of the third quarter. In the two exhibition matches between these teams on back-to-back days, the senior from Vancouver, British Columbia led all players in scoring with six.
Sophomore Clara Espar Llaquet scored San Jose State's other two goals. The second tied score at 2-2 early in the second quarter.
"We were definitely focusing on our defense for sure. In talking to Ricardo (The People's Republic of China coach), they were working on their defense as well. I thought we had more good opportunities on offense that we did miss," said San Jose State head coach Johnny Bega.
Eight different players scored for the People's Republic of China that also defeated San Jose State, 13-9, in a January 8 exhibition match.
"I think we can take away a lot of good experience from playing China as far as our defense goes to watching their defense and our offense watching their offense. I learned a lot of things from watching what they do and how to counter that. That will help us next week with our training," the San Jose State coach added.
Katelynn Thompson played all but the third quarter in goal for San Jose State and was credited with eight saves. Freshman Tayler Peters played the third quarter in goal and stopped one shot on goal while allowing China to score three times.
"To give up (eight goals) against a national team, I think it is awesome," said Thompson, the Spartans' number-one goalkeeper. "We talked a lot more and trusted each other a lot more (on defense) than yesterday. Overall, we did what we were supposed to do."
The Spartans open the regular season, Friday, January 16, hosting the People's Republic of China and nine other teams in the LouStrong Memorial tournament running through Monday, January 18. San Jose State opens its tournament participation facing Sonoma State, January 16, at 10:20 a.m.
San Jose State University Women's Water Polo
San Jose State vs. the People's Republic of China
The Aquatics Center, San Jose, Calif.
January 9, 2015
| Score by Quarters | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| People's Republic of China | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 8 |
| San Jose State | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Goal scoring |
| People's Republic of China - Xiong Dunhun, Chen Xiao, Sun Yujun, Niu Guanan, Tian Jianing, Song Dunlun, Wang Xinyan, Zhang Lei, 1, each. |
| San Jose State - Clara Espar Llaquet, Victoria Smith, 2 each. |
| Goalkeeper Saves |
| People's Republic of China - Yang Jun, Peng Ling, 5, each. |
| San Jose State - Katelynn Thompson, 8; Tayler Peters, 1. |
| Ejections |
| People's Republic of China - 9. |
| San Jose State - 12. |