By Paige Treloar-Ballard
The Santa Barbara City College Women's Water Polo team opened their 2024 season with 4 wins at the Cuesta Invitational Tournament. The Vaqueros will be looking to defend their two time 3C2A championships and last year's undefeated, record breaking season.
On Friday, SBCC beat Cuesta in their first conference game 12-8, and West Valley 11-8.
Returning Sophomore All-American Cate Daland and All State Team member Maddie Myers led the offense, scoring 4 goals each. Kate Densmore, also a returning All State Team honoree, started strong defending the cage with 11 saves.
Against West Valley, the Vaqueros used a dominant 3rd quarter, outscoring the Vikings 5-0, to their second victory. Sophomore All-American Addie Lane was unstoppable offensively with 5 goals. Lily Carrick, who led the state in assists last year and earned All-American honors, contributed with 1 goal, 4 assists, and 3 drawn ejections. Sophomore Esther Sullivan contributed with her own 3 drawn ejections.
On Saturday, the Vaqueros won against Orange Coast 12-9 and Golden West 16-7.
SBCC was wide awake and ready for their early morning game against the Pirates. Daland scored 4 goals in the match. Carrick led the team in assists, steals, and drawn ejections.
In the last game of the weekend, the Vaqueros utilized a balanced offense with 10 different players scoring in the game. Daland and Meyers capped off the day with hat tricks, while Lane and freshman Jada Ashen each scored 2 goals.
Head Coach Chuckie Roth said of the weekend,
The Vaqueros are back in action next weekend in the Orange Coast College Invitational at Orange Coast College Friday September 13 and Saturday September 14.
