Jan. 24, 2009
SAN DIEGO - The sixth-ranked San Diego State water polo team defeated the Aztec alumni, 12-11, on Saturday afternoon. Six players found the back of the net for the Aztecs to guide SDSU to the overtime victory.
Junior Ronni Gautschi scored five goals on twelve shot attempts, with two of those goals coming in two overtime periods. Junior co-captain Danielle Pelke and freshman Lindsey Morris each scored two goals. Junior Melissa de Jonckheere, sophomore Brooke Vessey and freshman Meaghan Poland each recorded one tally for the Aztecs.
Senior Katie Bentley had ten saves and added a team-leading three steals for SDSU.
The alumni struck first with one goal in the first quarter, but the Aztecs answered back with two of their own and led 6-2 at the half. The alumni came out strong after the break, scoring seven goals in the second half, compared to only three by SDSU. A penalty shot was awarded with just under three minutes to play and SDSU alum Stacy Werner scored the final goal of regulation to tie the score and send the game into overtime.
Gautschi found the back of the net twice in the first overtime period, putting the Aztecs up 11-9. The alumni closed the gap with a Susan Stivers-Ammann goal before time ran out. Even though Warner would connect on a second penalty goal in the second extra period, it was too late as Morris had already put the game-winner away early in the second overtime period.
Sandy Onweller, Rachel Serna, Gubba Sheehy, Susan Stivers-Ammann and Stacy Werner each scored for the alumni, while Heather Fenske and Sarah Kilgore shared time in goal.
SDSU opens its 2009 campaign at home on Thursday, Feb. 5, when Hartwick College makes its way to the Aztec Aquaplex for a 2 p.m. showdown.
SDSU goals: Ronni Gautschi-5, Danielle Pelke-2, Lindsey Morris-2, Melissa de Jonckheere-1, Meaghan Poland-1, Brooke Vessey-1.
Alumni goals: Rachel Serna-4, Stacy Werner-2, Gubba Sheehy-1, Susan Stivers-Ammann, Sandy Onweller-1.