Owls Win Pool; Darafeev Breaks Record

Long Beach, CA -- The Citrus College Women's Water Polo team won their pool at the Battle at the Beach Tournament this weekend. After taking both games on Friday, the Owls finished up the sweep on Saturday, and in the process freshman Mandy Darafeev broke the single season program record for goals.

In Saturday's opener, Citrus took on San Diego Mesa and held off a late rally by the Olympians to secure a 12-11 victory. Citrus led 11-7 headed into the final quarter, but Mesa made a run in the fourth outscoring Citrus 4-1. It wasn't enough though as Citrus held on for the one point victory.

In the win, Darafeev scored six times, putting her at 103 goals on the year. That put her one goal ahead of previous record holder and former All-American Ivonne Garcia that was set back in 2002. Sophomore Meghan Turner and freshman Candelaria Baca added two goals each, while Baca also handed out three assists. Freshman Kendra New also had a good game in the water with a team high four assists.

In the final game of the weekend, Citrus took on Sierra College for their pool play championship. Sierra grabbed the early lead going up 5-3 after one, but Citrus rallied in the second as they went up 7-6 at the half. In the second half each team matched the other teams output as they both scored five in the third and two in the fourth as Citrus hung on for the 15-14 win.

Darafeev was held to just one goal in the win, but Turner scored four times as did New. New also handed out five assists, and fellow frosh Lora Marquez-Solgado was strong on the defensive end of the pool with a team high five steals.

With the win, Citrus improves to 15-13 overall on the year. Citrus has just one conference match left before taking part in the Western State Conference Championship tournament in two weeks. The Owls will travel to Cuesta College on Wednesday for a 4:15 PM meeting with the Cougars.