The Santa Clara University women’s water polo team was defeated by Cal State Monterey Bay 12-7 on Saturday at the Otter Tank in Seaside, California. Despite a strong effort in the second half, the Broncos were unable to overcome an early deficit.
Santa Clara, now holding a 1-2 record for the season, managed to score six of its seven goals during the third and fourth periods. The team narrowed what had been a seven-goal halftime gap to five, but Cal State Monterey Bay maintained its lead. The Otters started with a 4-0 advantage in the first period and added four more goals in the second to lead 8-1 at halftime.
This win marks Cal State Monterey Bay’s first victory over Santa Clara since 2023. All four of the Otters’ wins in their series against Santa Clara have taken place in Seaside.
Avary Torres led Santa Clara with her first multi-goal game of the year, tying her career high with two goals. Additional goals for the Broncos came from Mia Barkett, Megan Chambliss, Evelyn McLaughlin, Chloe Rizof, and Calla Troxel. Barkett and McLaughlin each contributed two assists for three-point performances, while Sydney Maccabe also recorded two assists. In goal, Haley Tassell made three saves and led the team with two steals.
For Cal State Monterey Bay, Olivia Gutierrez scored four goals and Katie Rudis added two more. Marissa White made 14 saves as goalkeeper for the Otters.
Looking ahead, Santa Clara will travel to New Jersey to participate in the Princeton Invitational starting Friday. The Broncos are scheduled to play four games over three days at Princeton’s DeNunzio Pool.
