Owls Go 4-0; Takeuchi Breaks Career Saves Record
Glendora, CA -- It was a banner weekend for the Citrus College Women's Water Polo program as they hosted their annual Citrus College Women's Water Polo Tournament. Not only did the Owls go 4-0, but history was made as sophomore goalie Rose Takeuchi broke the career record for most blocks.
The weekend started off just the way you would want it with Citrus jumping out to a 3-0 lead over El Camino College in the first quarter and a 5-0 lead at the break. The Warriors would actually outscore Citrus 3-2 in the second half, but the Owls were firmly in control as they went on to win 7-3. Takeuchi stopped 14 shots in the win putting her at 480 in her career after the game, three more than the previous record holder's 477 saves set back in 2009.
Later in the day, Citrus got a little tougher test when they took on Rio Hondo College. The Owls ran out to a 2-0 lead after the first quarter, but the Roadrunners rallied with three in the second to go into halftime up 3-2. Rio Hondo would keep it going in the third taking a 5-3 lead into the fourth, where the Owls answered the call, scoring twice to force overtime. Citrus would score once in the first overtime, and then twice more in the second to win 8-6. Sophomore Kimberly Torres and freshman Abby Sorensen each had three goals in the win, while Takeuchi saved 10 more shots.
On Saturday, Citrus picked up where they left off when they hosted one of the top teams in Southern California San Diego Mesa College. In what was a defensive struggle, the Owls prevailed 6-3. Both teams were scoreless in the first, before the Owls shocked the Olympians by outscoring them 3-2 in the second. In the third, San Diego Mesa drew even 3-3, but the Owls pulled away late in the fourth with three more scores to win 6-3. Sophomore Lauren Quintero had two goals, while Torres had a season high seven steals. Takeuchi came up with 12 saves on 15 shot attempts.
The weekend ended early Saturday evening when Citrus hosted East Los Angeles College. Much like the way the weekend started, the Owls took an early lead and never really looked back. Citrus scored once in the first and twice more in the second to go up 3-0 at the break. In the third, Citrus outscored the Huskies 3-1 to take a commanding 6-1 lead into the final frame, before settling for a 7-2 victory. Freshman Mary Marie McCreary had a game high three goals, while Takeuchi had nine more saves before being pulled at the start of the fourth.
With the four wins, Citrus improves to 9-11 on the year. The Owls will resume conference play on Thursday when they host first place Cuesta College at 3:30 PM