San Jose, Calif.—— The San Jose State women's water polo season opener began well, but the University of California came back for a 12-6 non-conference win in the first match at the new on-campus SRAC (Student Recreation and Aquatic Center).
With former Spartan two-time All-American Beth Harberts coaching her first San Jose State match as a head coach, the Spartans jumped out to a 3-0 lead by the 4:32 mark of the first quarter. Olga Descalzi Portell opened the scoring converting a 5-meter penalty shot and a power play on back-to-back possessions. Jacqui Maisey added another power-play goal to give the Spartans its first three-goal lead of the match.
After Cal's Grace Raisin and San Jose State's Lili Urvari traded goals, the Spartans had a 4-1 advantage with 0:33 remaining the first quarter. San Jose State would not score again Matilda Moore found the cage with 4:42 to go in the fourth quarter.
The top scorers for the Spartans were Urvari and Descalzi Portell with two goals each. Urvari added a power-play goal at the 2:59 mark of the fourth quarter for her second score of the match. San Jose State had its chances to stay within striking distance with 11 power-play opportunities, but only converted three times.
The Spartans did defend Cal's power-play very well keeping the Golden Bears scoreless in six chances. Cal's Claire Sonne was the leading scorer in the match with four goals including three consecutive scores that put her team ahead to stay, 6-4 in the second quarter. Cal would extend its lead to 7-4 at halftime and 9-4 after three quarters.
Spartan goalkeeper Hannah Henry played the first three quarters. She was credited with seven saves including stopping a second-quarter 5-meter penalty shot. Sophia Reyes played the fourth quarter and made two saves.
The Spartans will return to action next Saturday January 18 for home matches at the SRAC against Sonoma State at 10:00 a.m. and Stanford at 11:30 a.m. in a non-conference match. Sonoma State and Stanford will play each other at 1:00 p.m. to round out a full day of water polo at the SRAC.
San Jose State University women's water polo
San Jose State vs. California
SRAC, San Jose, Calif.
January 11, 2020
California (1-0) 2-5-2-3=12
San Jose State (0-1) 4-0-0-2=6
Scoring Summary
California- Claire Sonne (4), Hannah DeRose (2), Georgia Gilmore (1), Shea Salvino (1), Cecily Turner (1), Grace Raisin (1), Sophie Leggett (1), Cassidy Ball (1).
San Jose State- Lili Urvari (2), Olga Descalzi Portell (2), Jacqui Maisey (1), Matilda Moore(1).
Ejections
California - 13
San Jose State - 7
Goalkeeper Saves
California - Cassidy Ball, 12
San Jose State- Hannah Henry, 7; Sophia Reyes, 2.