By Haddy Barghouti – Spear Reporter | Sophomore Darcy Spark going up for a shot against SDSU on Feb. 9. (Photo by Abby Westrope- Spear Photographer)
No. 19 San Jose State women’s water polo (7-6) participated in the Bronco Invitational on Friday, defeating No. 22 California State Northridge (8-3) 13-10.
The Spartans found themselves trailing at the halftime break 6-5.
“We went down a little bit in that first quarter but I was really happy to see the way our team was able to kind of ride the storm a little bit,” SJSU women’s water polo coach Beth Harberts said.
Neutral fans had a lot to cheer for as goals were flying. The third quarter concluded, and the Spartans took the lead 10-9 after outscoring the Matadors by two goals.
San Jose ended the game by outscoring its opponent, extending its three-game win streak for the second time this season.
Spartans sophomores Darcy Spark and Emma Ruzic led the games in goals, scoring 4.
Despite the Spartans winning the goal difference, the Matadors still took 37 shots, compared to the Spartans 30.
It was a defensive battle for SJSU, as goalie Grace Smith had 13 saves.
Despite the high-energy game, the Spartans played cleanly, picking up zero cards and penalties.
“It’s just a big testament to our team’s resiliency,” Harberts said.
The Spartans have continued to have the Matadors’ number, with the Matadors losing their last three matchups against San Jose.
Although neither team will face the other again this season, the Matadors will look forward to next season’s matchup after once again losing to the Spartans.
The Spartans look to extend their win streak to four. They are back in Santa Clara tomorrow for the Bronco Invitational where they will take on Brown University at 11:30 a.m.
