Women's Water Polo Falls In Season Opener

San Jose, Calif. – No. 5 San Jose State scored the first five goals of the match and would not look back en route to an 11-3 victory over the Pacific women's water polo team Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Spartan Invitational.

The Tigers dropped to 0-1 with the loss while the host Spartans improved to 1-0.

Back-to-back goals from SJSU senior Dani Curran opened the scoring as Pacific was blanked in the first frame. The Spartans continued to have success in the second quarter, putting away a five-meter goal before scoring a pair of even-strength goals to take a 5-0 lead at the 6:13 mark. Sophomore Elise Martin put the Tigers on the board one minute later on a power-play goal. After another San Jose State score, freshman Noelle Mann found the back of the cage on a 6-on-5 opportunity for her first collegiate goal. 

Martin would score her second goal of the match to open the third period, trimming the Spartans' lead to three. The hosts responded with two goals, including a second penalty goal, to reclaim the momentum heading into the final frame. The fourth quarter saw SJSU add three more goals to their tally as Pacific was unable to put a shot past the Spartans' goalkeeper.

Martin recorded her two goals on four attempts while Mann's goal was her only attempt. Sophomore goalkeeper Michele Relton tallied six saves in a complete-game effort.

San Jose State sophomore Timi Molnar led all scorers with four goals while senior goalkeeper Meagan Minson recorded eight blocks.

Pacific is back in action later today when it will go up against Canada in an exhibition match. The match is set to begin at 1 p.m.

Pacific 3, No. 5 San Jose State 11
Pacific 0 - 2 - 1 - 0 -- 3
San Jose State 2 - 4 - 2 - 3 -- 11

Goals
Pacific - Martin 2, Mann
San Jose State - Molnar 4, Curran 2, Natalizio 2, Buzzetta, Stewart, Waasted

Goalkeeper Saves
Pacific - Relton 6
San Jose State - Minson 8