By Isabella Dandoy (@DandoyIsabella) – Spear Reporter
Senior Lior Ben David looks for an opening | By Titus Wilkinson
SJSU women’s water polo (12-17, 0-5 MPSF) suffered a large 22-1 blow against No. 2 Stanford (17-1, 4-1 MPSF) today. The team, who traveled to Palo Alto, Calif., has extended their losing record to six.
The team suffered a poor shooting average of four percent. The Cardinals completely neutralized the Spartans’ offense. Freshman Sinia Plotz led the team with seven shot attempts.
The lone goal was launched by sophomore Lauren Woolley, who went 1 for 6 on attempts. SJSU was only able to get on the scoreboard in the first period.
The team had more opportunities than the Cardinals to convert on powerplays (10), but none of the balls could hit the back of the net.
Stanford outshined SJSU in defensive efforts as well. SJSU committed 14 turnovers, making it challenging to overcome its deficit.
However, the Spartans racked up six blocks and four steals. Junior Elaina Davey was a big asset, averaging a 30.8 percent save percentage and blocking the opposition four times.
Unlike yesterday’s match, the team won most of their sprints (3). But even with the offensive edge, the Cardinals thoroughly conquered the Spartans.
SJSU last played the No. 1 seed during the Cal Cup in late Jan. The team met a similar fate a few months ago, losing 2-21.
But with one game left in the season and no wins tallied against MPSF opponents, SJSU will have to go back to the drawing board.
SJSU women’s water polo will hit the road one last time to play Arizona State University on April 22 at 1:00 p.m. After commencing the regular season, the team will redirect its focus to the MPSF Championship, which will be held at the SRAC Pool on April 28.
