March 14, 2008
SAN DIEGO - Eleven Aztecs found their way into the scoring column as the sixth-ranked San Diego State women's water polo team routed Pacific, 14-6. The Scarlet and Black improves to 17-2 overall and 4-1 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, while the Tigers fall to 3-13 overall, 0-8 MPSF.
Erinn Greenwood, Danielle Pelke and Brooke Vessey led the Aztec attack with two goals apiece. Katie Bentley played the entire second half in front of the net recording six saves, while Heather Fenske turned away four shots in 16 minutes of action.
SDSU came out firing with four unanswered goals in the first quarter. Pelke opened the scoring at the 6:23 mark before Jessica Pace-Bowers and Anna Gonzales found the back of the net. Pelke then put the Aztecs up 4-0, notching her second tally of the day with just two seconds remaining in the period.
Taking advantage of a 6-on-5 situation, Alex Kutac was able to get Pacific on the scoreboard early in the second quarter. The Aztecs countered just 30 seconds later, however, as Jenna Schuster scored off a nice pass from Greenwood. Sarah Brady and Tiphanie Elliott both tallied a goal late in the period, giving SDSU a commanding 8-2 lead at the half.
The Scarlet and Black kept the momentum on its side after the break, erupting for a season-high six goals in the third quarter. Becca Ur started the offensive onslaught, scoring after just under a minute of action. Greenwood and Ronni Gatuschi both found the back of the net before Brooke Vessey scored back-to-back goals to give the Aztecs their largest lead of the afternoon (13-3). Erin Lester closed out the period with her seventh tally of the season.
Pacific outscored the Aztecs 2-0 in the final eight minutes of play, but the damage had already been done as SDSU walked away with the 14-6 victory. Kutac and Meara McCarthy led the Tigers with two goals apiece.
San Diego State will continue its hosting duties this weekend with the second annual Aztec Invitational. The Scarlet and Black will play two games tomorrow as it takes on No. 14 Long Beach State in an 11 a.m. (PDT) MPSF showdown before squaring off with Colorado State at 2 p.m. (PDT).
No. 6 SAN DIEGO STATE 14, PACIFIC 6
Aztec Aquaplex -- San Diego, Calif.
March 14, 2008
Pacific 0-2-2-2 -- 6
San Diego State 4-4-6-0 -- 14
Pacific goals: Alex Kutac 2, Meara McCarthy 2, Kellie Fletcher, Virginia McConnell.
SDSU goals: Erinn Greenwood 2, Danielle Pelke 2, Brooke Vessey 2, Sarah Brady, Tiphanie Elliott, Ronni Gautschi, Anna Gonzales, Erin Lester, Jessica Pace-Bowers, Jenna Schuster, Becca Ur.
SDSU goalkeeper saves: Katie Bentley-6, Heather Fenske-4.