Vaqueros Earn First Conference Win, Go 3-1 at RCC Tournament

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The SBCC women's water polo team enjoyed another strong showing at the RCC Tournament this weekend, opening things with a 12-6 win in its conference opener against Citrus.

Following a tightly contested 8-7 overtime loss to Orange Coast, the Vaqueros bounced back on Saturday with an 11-10 double-overtime win over Riverside and an 8-1 victory over Golden West. Santa Barbara is now 7-2 on the young year.

SBCC vs. Citrus
The Vaqueros opened their 2021 conference slate on Friday, downing Citrus behind yet another four-goal outing from driver Eden Tal. It was the fourth performance of four or more goals for Tal through SBCC's first six games.

Allison Kay added a hat trick, while Emily Lopez and Megan Ditlof finished with two goals each. Jenna Olson rounded out the Vaquero scorers with a goal of her own.

On the defensive end, goalkeeper Chloe Mckay tallied 10 saves to go along with three saves. Lopez added four steals as well.

"I was really proud of our front court defense. We have improved in a week with our communication and individual defense. Chloe McKay had some great saves and it was a team effort on offense. Allison Kay made a few clutch goals and facilitated a lot for us. I am really proud of her and appreciate her character and work ethic daily." – Head Coach Chucke Roth

SBCC vs. Orange Coast
Friday's second game pitted SBCC in a tight one with OCC that went down to the wire. Charlize Winter was one of three Vaqueros to put up two goals, both of which came in crunch time.

The first came with 20 seconds left in regulation to send it into extra time, while the second put the Vaqueros ahead in the first period of overtime. However, OCC would come back to steal the 8-7 win.

Megan Ditlof and Jenna Olson both matched Winter with two goals each. Olson also recorded a team-high of two assists to go along with four steals.

Eden Tal notched one score and led the team with five steals. Mckay tallied 10 saves and three steals at keeper.

"This was a hard fought battle in which the team never gave up. The outcome was unfortunate, but we learned so much. It's hard to see it as a loss, and we are positive about the future." – Roth

SBCC vs. Riverside
Opening things on Saturday against Riverside, SBCC found itself in a second consecutive overtime thriller, this time prevailing in an 11-10 win.

Jenna Olson led the way with a season-high five goals to go along with two steals. Eden Tal added another hat trick, finishing with three goals, a steal and four earned exclusions.

Mckay recorded eight saves, two assists and a steal.

"We were super resilient and scored two last-minute opportunities to tie it up and win it. This team has a lot of grit, and it's fun to watch them grow and succeed." – Roth

SBCC vs. Golden West
Closing the weekend out against Golden West, the Vaqueros cruised to an 8-1 win.

Angelina Adams had a standout performance with three goals, an assist, a steal and three earned exclusions. Aaliyah Gavia backed her up with two goals and two drawn exclusions of her own.

The Vaqueros put up the first seven scores of the game, closing the third out with a goal from Kara Hughes to make it 7-0.

Sadie Mead and Lauren Tuxill rounded out SBCC's goal scorers with one each. Mckay finished with four saves and a steal.

"Angelina Adams is full of positivity and takes every advantage she has to improve. Aaliyah Gavia created a lot of opportunities for us. She is a true work horse and really impacted that game." – Roth