Water Polo Flexes Their Muscle Against NCAA Opponents

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The No. 2-ranked Santa Barbara City College women's water polo team played in four matches on Saturday against NCAA-level opponents in a tournament they hosted at Santa Barbara High School.

The day started with a close match against Concordia University Irvine, where the Vaqs lost 9-8. 

Following that match, they took on SBCC alumnae who donned a variety of NCAA Division I swimsuits such as Hawaii, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Cal State Fullerton. The alumni jumped out to an early lead, possibly thanks to a few cheeky whistles from the officials.

The Vaqueros had a break to refuel and prepare for a double-header against UCSB in the afternoon while the Gauchos took on Concordia University Irvine.

The first matchup ended in a 7-8 loss, thanks to a late goal from goalkeeper Ava Barclay. 

The final matchup of the day showed UCSB pulling away with a fresh squad against a Vaquero group who had already competed in three matches on the day.

"The team rose to the challenge of the weekend against NCAA teams and our wonderful alumnae," said head coach Chuckie Roth. "Our goal was to better ourselves through high level competition, and we definitely achieved that. Avery Jensen played well. Katie Strohl is doing a great job on both ends of the pool. Sophie McGehee had some big minutes for us."

McGehee collected seven goals in three matches, while Jensen chipped in five goals, and Strohl posted three goals and five steals. Jada Ashen added five goals to the SBCC effort on the day.

The Vaqueros are back in the pool this weekend at the Battle at the Beach Tournament hosted by Cerritos College.