SDSU WATER POLO FALLS TO CHINESE NATIONAL TEAM

Aztecs come up short 16-9 in Orange County

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

January 11, 2018 (San Clemente) - After just three days of preseason camp, San Diego State put its caps on and faced the Chinese National Team in an exhibition at JSerra Catholic High School. The Aztecs and China played six periods, but the four-quarter final had SDSU on the short end of a 16-9 score.

San Diego State trailed, 4-3, after one period and the Chinese National Team hung another four goals in the next frame to lead, 8-5, at halftime. In the third quarter, China outscored the Aztecs, 5-2, and followed it with a 3-2 effort in the fourth period to provide the final regulation margin.

In the first extra period, San Diego State was able to hold the Chinese National Team to its fewest goals in a frame (2), but failed to score itself. The final eight minutes saw China outscore SDSU, 4-3, to make it a 22-12 game at the end of six periods.

The Aztecs went with a starting lineup that was heavy on experience. Head coach Carin Crawford, who is in her 20^th season, tabbed freshman Emily Bennett, juniors Maura Cantoni, Hannah Carrillo and Paola Vizcarra, and seniors Lizzy Bilz, Courtney Jarvis and Katrina King for the starting unit.

Bennett, a utility from Oakdale, led the team in scoring with the first three goals of her career and added two steals and two drawn ejections. Classmates Karli Canale and Maddie Higginson, and junior college transfer Mary Myers scored one goal apiece to also find the back of the net for the first time in their SDSU careers.

Joining the first-time Aztec goal scorers in the scoring column were Carrillo, King, Shelby Kraft and Maddy Parenteau. Cantoni was credited with eight saves in a starting role and Emily Lowell also had eight stops in between the posts.

Other highlights include Parenteau’s team-high two assists, Casia Morrison’s three steals, Jarvis’ three field blocks and Vizcarra’s two drawn ejections.

The Aztecs will return to the practice pool in preparation for the 2018 campaign. Prior to the first official game, SDSU will face the Aztec Alumni on Saturday, Jan. 27, at 11 a.m. PT. Admission at Aztec Aquaplex is free.