By Thomas Christian (@ThomasGOATnba) – Reporter
San Jose State women’s water polo took on the Cal State East Bay Pioneers in a high-profile CSU matchup, 14-6. The No. 12 ranked Spartans entered Saturday with a record of 9-8, East Bay a 6-4 history to their name.
Fresh off a 2-2 performance at the Fresno State Invite Tournament, the Spartans fell to ranked opponents No. 10 UC Davis and No. 8 Fresno State. Still, they crushed their non-ranked opponents, a good omen heading into gameday.
Another glimpse into the future? CSU East Bay already dropped its last two matches against ranked opponents, falling 7-6 to No. 25 ranked Brown, and then 16-13 to No. 23 ranked Marist College.
While this reporter lacks a crystal ball, it wouldn’t take any psychic powers to foresee many balls flying into nets for the Spartans Saturday.
When CSU East Bay went up 3-0 in the first period, it made the unfortunate mistake of resting on their laurels. Instead of pressing its advantage, all the Pioneers seemed to do was awaken a sleeping giant.
The subsequent thrashing unleashed by SJSU was started by sophomore Ryann Lucchesi, breaking the drought. The goal started an avalanche for SJSU, which went on a 14-3 scoring run for the rest of the game.
The key to the Spartans’ victory was their deadly finishing accuracy. It’s easy for the goals to start pouring in when they convert at a 42.4% clip and are allowed to attempt 33 shots on East Bay’s goal.
Leading the Spartans in scoring was graduate Riley Agerbeek, with four goals on the Pioneer’s defense. Seniors Clarissa Wandinger and Olga Descalzi also added two goals apiece. Freshmen Cila David and Brooklyn Behenna as well as Wandinger each tallied two assists, helping SJSU slice through CSU East Bay.
Maddie Wittkowske led the Pioneers’ attack with three goals on SJSU keeper senior Hannah Henry. CSU East Bay as a team converted only 25% of their 24 shots on goal, with Henry making seven saves.
The win puts SJSU at 10-8 on the season as they look to host Arizona State on March 5 at noon.