By Jonathan Cañas (@jonathancanas_) – Spear Reporter
Darcy Spark attempting to shoot a goal over an Austin College defender. | Photo via SJSU Athletics
It was a tale of two halves as No. 17 San Jose State women’s water polo went head-to-head against No. 1 UCLA in its 16-8 loss in Los Angeles, Calif. at the Spieker Aquatics Center on March 17.
The Spartans (9-9, 0-2 MPSF) fell behind 3-1 in the first quarter as Bruins’ (18-0, 3-0 MPSF) freshmen Panni Szegedi scored two of the three goals. SJSU freshman Emma Ruzic cut down the lead to one after a goal with 1:33 left in the first quarter.
UCLA then extended its lead 4-2 just 13 seconds later after a goal from Bruins’ attacker Brooke Doten.
SJSU had 10 shots blocked in the first half and trailed 6-4 at halftime. Four different Spartans got on the scoreboard but couldn’t gain any momentum as they were always playing catch-up.
The Bruins came out of the gates strong in the second half going on a 5-0 run to extend the lead to 11-4. Ruzic scored SJSU’s only goal of the third quarter before UCLA retaliated with a second left to make it 12-5.
When the game was all said and done, the Spartans gave up the game in the second half.
SJSU’s Lucy Miszewski also added two goals in the match while leading the Spartans with three assists. San Jose goalkeeper Grace Smith had six saves through three quarters to try to keep the Spartans in the game.
SJSU head coach Beth Harberts gave her team credit for keeping up with the best team in the country.
“For us to be able to go out and score eight goals against the best team in the nation i’m extremely proud,” Harberts said. “We took them to battle for four quarters and we’re closing the performance gaps.”
SJSU looks ahead to play Arizona State at 1 p.m. on Saturday at home.