By Ethan Ndachi – Spear Reporter | Sophomore Darcy Spark scans play. (Photo by Abby Westrope- Spear Photographer)
San Jose State women’s water polo had a hard-fought 10-9 win this past Sunday as they faced San Diego State for the first time since 2019.
The Spartans now move to 6-6 in their season so far, undefeated at home and taking the experience of tough games like this along the way.
It was a nailbiter as the clock counted down with the Spartans up by one until sophomore Jennine Osorio scored a crucial goal in the sixth minute. She said she was very happy with her performance and her instinctual goal.
“I haven’t been working on that, it’s just something I pulled out and I’m really proud of myself for it,” Osorio said.
Osorio ended her night with four goals and an assist, as well as drawing a penalty for SJSU. However, she said team performance was the reason for the result.
“I think the team really played well today, especially our bench…we played together,” Osorio said.
The Spartans were fighting tooth and nail with the Aztecs leading in the third quarter, the score being 6-4 until the team gained momentum after attacking performances by Osorio, freshman Bridget Cranley and sophomore Darcy Spark.
Freshman Nynke Willemsen assisted three out of the four goals scored by SJSU in the quarter.
During the third quarter, SJSU had a big goal disallowed which confused spectators, athletes, and coaches alike.
“There were a lot of no calls that went both ways and so that kind of takes its toll as the game progresses,” Harberts said.
Osorio also gave her thoughts on the officiating.
“We can’t really control the ref, it’s really outside of our boat…we can’t really play to the refs game,” Osorio said.
The Spartans earned a penalty in the final period converted by Sparks, only to concede right after to SDSU sophomore Sammi Byers – her fourth goal of the night.
Even with the back-and-forth nature of the game, senior Grace Smith said she was very pleased with the team’s performance.
“It was just amazing today, I feel like this is probably one of our best games where we stuck together,” Smith said.
Smith kept the net safe seven times in the match and received lots of support from the home crowd today.
The Spartans were able to see out the game despite a last-minute goal by Aztec junior Rose Kanemy, bringing the score to 10-9.
Spartan head coach Beth Harberts said team unity and resilience are what made the difference for the Spartans today.
“All the teammates whether they got playing time or not were very supportive, and I think that really picks up spirits when you’re in the pool and you’re tired,” Harberts said.
She said the closeness of the game as something that can be positive for the team.
“Would I have loved to see a bigger goal differential?” Harberts said. “Sure, but you know what, the lessons that we learned we’ll be able to take that onto our next game and I think that’s way more valuable.”
Next, the Spartans face the in-form CSUN Matadors at noon Feb. 14 in Santa Clara.
