Down the Middle

Mission Viejo, CA -- The Citrus College Women's Water Polo program's 2014 season got on its way on Friday afternoon when they opened things up at the Saddleback Invitational. The Owls' day was split down the middle as they started with a tough 4-7 loss to Grossmont College, before rallying with a 12-2 win over Rio Hondo to close out the evening.

Against the Griffins, Citrus fell behind early as Grossmont led 3-1 after the first. In the second, the Griffins again extended their lead taking a 5-2 advantage into the break. In the third, Citrus looked like they would turn things around, cutting their deficit to two 5-3, but Grossmont pulled away late to get the three point victory.

Freshman Mary Marie McCreary paced Citrus' effort in the loss, scoring two of Citrus' three goals. Freshman Elaine Hodge scored one of the other two goals, and also added a pair of assists and a steal. In goal sophomore Rose Takeuchi proved solid stopping eight shots on the day.

In the second game, Citrus turned the tables on their opponent outscoring the Roadrunners 2-0 and 3-1 in the first two periods. The Owls really turned on the afterburners in the third when they outscored Rio Hondo 4-1. Citrus would add three more goals in the fourth for good measure, while again holding the Roadrunners scoreless en route to the double-digit win.

Sophomore Kimberly Torres led the charge in the late game with five scores an assist and a steal. Sophomore Kathleen Gaytan added a pair of scores and three assists, while Takeuchi was again strong in goal with 13 saves.

With the win and the loss, Citrus' record moves to 1-1. The Owls will open up day two with the tournament's host Saddleback College before closing out the day against East Los Angeles College.