The No. 6 ASU women’s water polo team pulled off a stunning victory over No. 4 Cal on Saturday afternoon.
The match was competitive, with both teams striking early in the opening period. Freshman Bente Rogge knocked in the first goal for the Sun Devils, but the Bears were able to fight back with two goals of their own nearing the end of the first quarter. Rogge converted a shot as the clock expired to tie the game at 2-2.
It was ASU who struck first once again in the second quarter with goals by Rosie Huck and Lena Mihailovic, but the Bears would not let up as Cal junior Carla Carrega notched her second goal of the game after a steal by teammate Dora Antal. Carrega’s late score brought the Sun Devils' lead down 4-3 heading into the half.
Things looked worrisome for ASU after the Bears went on a 3-0 run throughout the final half. Defense reigned key for the Sun Devils — junior goalkeeper Mia Rycraw recorded six saves in the match.
While each player had an important role, it was sophomore Maud Koopman who saved the day and scored two incredible goals to lead ASU to a 7-6 victory.
FINAL:
— ASU Water Polo (@ASUWaterPolo) March 25, 2017
No. 6 ASU water polo picks up huge win on the road against No. 4 Cal this morning, 7-6! #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/tilYJGDPGs
This victory is the 18th of the season for the Sun Devils, and begins a difficult next few weeks as ASU faces two top-three teams in USC and UCLA.
Your victorious Sun Devils following their win on the road at No. 4 Cal. #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/jQnOs1xkFE
— ASU Water Polo (@ASUWaterPolo) March 25, 2017
ASU hopes to continue their six game winning streak when they head out west to Los Angeles to take on No. 1 USC. The match will begin at 12:30 MST and will be viewable on the Pac-12 Networks.
Reach the reporter at klbroder@asu.edu or follow @KellyB1459 on Twitter.
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