By Alexis Corona – Spear Reporter | Sophomore Emma Ruzic attempts a shot in a game against San Diego State on Feb. 9. (Photo by Abby Westrope – Spear Photographer)
It was a goal with 34 seconds remaining from freshman two-meter defender Bridget Cranley that gave No. 18 San Jose State women’s water polo (12-10, 1-3 MPSF) a 13-12 win Saturday against No. 7 Arizona State (17-6, 1-3 MPSF).
The Spartans had four players score against the Sun Devils, with sophomore driver Darcy Spark and sophomore two-meter defender Rose Jensen leading the way with four goals.
The first half was very competitive between both teams, but SJSU took a slim lead at the halftime break.
“We knew it was going to be a battle, but our Spartans were really prepared for it, not just physically but mentally,” SJSU head coach Beth Harberts said in a video posted to the SJSU athletics website.
SJSU’s tenacious defense was on display and got it a two-goal lead, allowing only one ASU goal in the second quarter.“
Overall, our team defense was what won us that game,” Harberts said.
SJSU senior goalkeeper Grace Smith had eight saves in the game, while Spark added two field blocks and two steals in the victory.
The Sun Devils would come out of the halftime break with some energy, scoring two goals in the first minute of action of the third quarter that would tie the game at 6-6.
A goal by Spark and sophomore driver Jennine Osorio with 47 seconds left in the third quarter gave the Spartans some momentum into the final quarter.
The Spartans withstood a late surge by the Sun Devils in the fourth quarter, earning their first MPSF win.
“Just pumped for the team to be able to hold off in that fourth quarter,” Harberts said.
SJSU will face No. 10 Indiana at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Counsilman-Billingsley Aquatics Center.
