Feb. 4, 2017
Stanford, Calif.----- Sophomore Sheila Jensen had the best offensive day of her career scoring five goals in two matches including a decisive goal in San Jose State University's 11-10 win over UC Davis in first day action at the Stanford Invitational women's water polo tournament.
Jensen came into the tournament with just one goal scored in the team's first six matches. She scored twice against #19-ranked UC Davis (1-7) including the goal-ahead goal from the 2-meter area with 6:11 remaining in the match for a 9-8 lead.
San Jose State (3-5) took advantage of its power play opportunities in the win over the Aggies. Donia Momen, Carla Toha Vilanova and Cara Robinson scored on second-half power plays. McKenna Yates also converted a fourth quarter 5-meter penalty shot in the win.
"Our power play clicked today, especially in the second game we played. It looked sharp," said San Jose State head coach Gabor Sarusi who added the Spartans wanted to give UC Davis a different defensive look every quarter.
Katelynn Thompson persevered the San Jose State victory deflecting a shot by UC Davis' McKenna Hauss with 0:05 remaining in the fourth quarter.
"I congratulate the girls. It's really hard to beat a team three time," the Spartan coach added. All three wins, one during the fall exhibition season and two in the first month of the season all were by a one-goal margin.
The Spartans opened the Stanford Invitational with a 15-6 loss to #5-California (6-0). Cal scored the first seven goals of the match. Jensen was the first San Jose State player to score on a power play goal with 3:23 to go in the second quarter.
"We came out flat. We didn't warm up well. Mentally, we weren't prepared and we went down, 7-0," Sarusi said about the loss to Cal.
San Jose State opens the final day of the Stanford Invitational taking on #7-ranked Michigan at 9:40 a.m. and will play a second match either at 2:00 or 3:15 p.m.
Stanford Invitational women's water polo tournament
Belardi Pool, Stanford, Calif.
February 4, 2017
| Match #6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| #19-UC Davis (1-7) | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 10 |
| #16-San Jose State (3-5) | 3 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 11 |
| Goal scoring |
| UC Davis -- Chloe Robinson, 3; Paige Virgil, Annie Kutt, 2, each; Marcela Portales, McKenna Hauss, Greta Kohlmoos, 1, each. |
San Jose State -- Donia Momen, 3; Sheila Jensen, Carla Toha Vilanova, 2, each; McKenna Yates, Vanessa Elgohary, Cara Robinson, Sierra Painter, 1, each. |
| Goalkeeper Saves |
| UC Davis -- Avery Dotterer, not available. |
| San Jose State -- Katelynn Thompson, 7. |
| Ejections |
| UC Davis -- 7. |
| San Jose State -- 7. |
| Match #4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| #16-San Jose State (2-5) | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
| #4-Calfiornia (6-0) | 4 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 15 |
| Goal scoring |
| San Jose State -- Sheila Jensen, 3; Klaudia Paradi, Jacqui Maisey, Cara Robinson, 1, each. |
| California -- Dora Antal, Emily Loughlin, Kindred Paul, 3, each; Anna Illies, Stephanie Mutafyan, 2, each; Emma Wright, Rachel Lewin, 1, each. |
| Goalkeeper Saves |
| San Jose State -- Katelynn Thompson, 7. |
| California -- Madison Tagg, 7. |
| Ejections |
| San Jose State -- 5. |
| California -- 9. |