By Isabella Dandoy (@DandoyIsabella) – Spear Reporter
Goalkeeper Hannah Henry with the ball | Titus Wilkinson – The Spear
The SJSU women’s water polo team (12-6, 0-4 MPSF) fell short to Indiana University (16-12 overall, 2-4 MPSF) 6-7 on its final home match of the season. The Spartans have extended to a five-game losing streak against multiple high-level MPSF opponents.
SJSU’s offensive performance at crucial moments was a major component in its narrow defeat.
Freshman Sinia Plotz went 2-7 on shot attempts and turned over the possession three times. SJSU was unable to win any of its sprints, leaving the team without an offensive edge.
However, senior Lior Ben David went out with a bang on her last home match of the season. She went 2-5 on shot attempts and led the team in two assists.
Sophomore Lucy Miszewski kept the hopes alive with a goal assisted by graduate student Hannah Henry in the fourth period. But multiple steals by IU and consecutive turnovers by SJSU made it increasingly difficult for the team to overcome their one-point deficit.
However, on the opposite end of the pool, the Spartans were more effective on defense.
The team silenced Indiana’s offense in the fourth period by leaving them scoreless. Also, SJSU forced twelve turnovers on IU’s side.
Freshman Genevieve Larkin, sophomore Maiken Pardon, and Miszewski had two steals apiece. But the failure to convert on subsequent steals left SJSU with a persistent deficit.
Although the team was unable to secure a win, that didn’t stop them from commemorating their senior teammates. Among those honored today were Elaina Davey, Clarissa Wandinger, Kylee Jansen, Bailey Stubblefield, Henry, and Ben David.
SJSU women’s water polo will hit the road tomorrow to play No. 2 Stanford at 12:00 p.m. After the match, the Spartans will only have one game left before the big MPSF Championship.