Unbeaten Vaqueros win pool in Battle at the Beach

SBCC topped a pair of Orange Empire Conference teams to win Pool A on Friday in the 19th annual Battle at the Beach women's water polo tournament at Cerritos College.

The undefeated Vaqueros (21-0) downed Saddleback 12-6 and Orange Coast 11-3 to move into Saturday's semifinals in the 24-team tourney, hosted by Long Beach, Cypress and Cerritos.

Addison Seale, a sophomore left-hander from La Jolla, poured in four goals with five assists in the Saddleback game, which started at 8 a.m. Charissa Dorn and Natalie Beck had two goals each. Halie Johnson made five steals and Lili Talkin had four for the Vaqueros, who led 9-3 at the half.

Santa Barbara scored five straight goals in the second period vs. Orange Coast (9-6) to take a 6-2 lead. The Vaqueros led 6-3 at the half, then outscored the Pirates 5-0 in the second half with goals from five players.

Seale, the state leader in assists, had three goals against OCC and tied her season high with six assists. That gave her seven goals and 11 assists in two games. Reagan Mroz and Gabi Ritter added two goals each and Halie Johnson and Charissa Dorn contributed three steals apiece.

All-American goalie Mackenzie Richards had seven saves and five steals.

"I was proud of our team today," said coach Chuckie Roth. "Reagan Mroz continued her solid play on both ends of the pool. Charissa Dorn had a goal in each game and serveral earned ejections.

"Richards and Bruno were both in control in goal. We're looking forward to playing Fullerton for the third time."

SBCC will meet Fullerton, the winner of Pool D, on Saturday at 10:20 a.m. and if the Vaqueros win, they'll play for the championship at 4:10 p.m. The Vaqueros have beaten Fullerton twice this year by scores of 19-9 and 13-6.

Saddleback ………… 1   2   2   1 --  6
SBCC ……………....…. 5   4   2   1 – 12
 Goals – SB: Seale 4, Dorn 2, Beck 2, Bilaver 1, Johnson 1, Ritter 1, Mroz 1. Goalie saves – SB: Richards 8, Bruno 3.

Orange Coast …….… 2   1   0   0 --  3
SBCC ………….........…. 4   2   3   2 – 11
 Goals – SB: Seale 3, Mroz 2, Ritter 2, Johnson 1, Dorn 1, Cosares 1, Beck 1. Goalie saves – SB: Richards 7, Bruno 2.