Vaqueros split a pair at Central Coast Invitational

The SBCC women's water polo team picked up right where it left off at the Central Coast Invitational on Saturday.

A day after notching their first win and shutout in school history over Santa Monica 10-0, the Vaqueros defeated Merced 9-3 in the morning half of a doubleheader.

"I was really pleased with our perseverance today," SBCC head coach Chuckie Roth said. "We had several players hurt and sick; we played iron man — no subs. The only time a player had a break was if they were in goal. Each girl stepped into [her respective] role to do what was best for the team."

Rocio Fesembeck led the squad with a career-high seven goals to go along with two steals and two saves.

Maddie Brooks added a goal, an assist and four steals, while Kaitlyn Wentz Fitzgerald and Autumn Lovett registered a goal and an assist, respectively. Lovett also posted a game-high three saves for the Vaqs.

Brittany Thompson and Alex Brown also saw time in the cage, making two saves and one save, respectively.

In the afternoon contest, SBCC (2-6) fell to the host school Cuesta, 18-7.

Wentz Fitzgerald led the red and black with three goals and tacked on an assist, while Fesembeck found the net twice and made one save. The latter is shaping up as Roth's go-to utility player and is currently leading Santa Barbara with 25 scores on the season.

Brooks turned in another multifaceted performance in which she contributed a goal, an assist and two steals.

Paula Tkach tallied a goal and a steal for the Vaquero offense, and Lovett anchored the defense with a match-high seven saves while also assisting on one score.

"Fesembeck played great both on offense and in the goal, and Tkach played great 2-meter defense," Roth said. "We are looking forward to playing Santa Monica on Wednesday."

The Vaqueros begin WSC play this week, traveling to Santa Monica at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. They then host L.A. Valley at 5 p.m. on Sept. 24. Ryan Graff will be on the call from San Marcos High on the Vaquero Broadcasting Network.

SBCC .………............   5   2   2   0 -- 9
Merced …….…........   2   1   0   0 -- 3
 Goals--SB: Fesembeck 7, Brooks 1, Wentz Fitzgerald 1.
 Goalie saves--SB: Lovett 3, Fesembeck 2, B. Thompson 2, Brown 1.

SBCC ……………..…   2   3   0   2 --   7
Cuesta ………..……   5   3   4   6 -- 18
 Goals--SB: Wentz Fitzgerald 3, Fesembeck 2, Brooks 1, Tkach 1
 Goalie saves--SB: Lovett 7, Fesembeck 1.