Vaqueros Shine on Defense, Lopez Scores Last-Minute Winner vs. Fullerton

VENTURA, Calif. – Looking for their 10th straight win Saturday morning at the Ventura Tournament, the SBCC women's water polo team relied mostly on its defense against a tough Fullerton team. In the final minute though, it was the offense that got the job done, as freshman Emily Lopez scored the game-winning goal with 52 seconds left to put the Vaqueros on top 6-5.

"We had a great first quarter, and then Fullerton played really well through the rest of the game," head coach Chuckie Roth said. "They are a great team and a great challenge. In the end, Emily Lopez was able to find the back of the net."

Santa Barbara recorded a season-high 27 steals – four more than in any other game this year. With the win, the Vaqueros are now 19-3 overall. They handed the Hornets (16-3) just their third loss of the year.

"We played a great defensive game," Roth said. "Eden Tal had nine steals. Megan Ditlof and Jenna Olson had five each. Chloe McKay had a great game in the cage."

Tal got the scoring started with two goals in the opening period, while the SBCC defense maintained a shutout into the second quarter. Fullerton would later tie things at 4-4 heading into the final frame.

Allison Kay broke the deadlock with a goal at the 5:41 mark of the fourth quarter, putting SBCC back up 5-4. The Hornets would equalize on their very next possession.

Lopez' goal would come minutes later off an assist by Emily Clapham, giving the Vaqueros their fifth straight win in games decided by one goal.

Kay and Tal both finished with two goals. Charlize Winter also found the back of the net with a first half goal. Mckay tallied four saves.

With nine scores in her last two games, Tal becomes the first Vaquero this season to surpass 50 goals for the year.