By – Javen Takhar (@javentakhar) – Spear Reporter | Junior attacker Darcy Spark looks for a teammate against Cal State Monterey Bay (photo courtesy of SJSU Athletics)
The San Jose State (2-6, 0-0 MW) women’s water polo team opened up the Bronco Invitational with a 15-14 sudden death overtime win against Marist (6-3, 0-0 MAAC) at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13.
Junior attacker Darcy Spark put the Spartans on top early with three goals in the first period. She would finish the game with five goals, three assists, and one steal.
After exchanging goals in the second half, the Red Foxes and the Spartans would find themselves in a sudden death situation. Spark would find the back of the cage to cap off a great game.
“Really happy with how our team was able to execute, especially in that high stressful situation,” SJSU head coach Beth Harberts said.
SJSU led 7-5 at halftime. Within two minutes of the third period, junior attacker Kendell De Beer tied the game for Marist. She finished with four goals, leading the team.
The game was tied with 12 a piece entering the first overtime. Sophomore driver Sarah Woren would strike her only goal of the game, putting the Spartans on top. Sophomore two-meter Bridget Cranley followed up with her third goal, extending the Spartans’ lead.
Marist would answer with two goals of their own, forcing a second overtime after a yellow card on Harberts.
“Our ability to weather some of the adversity with our calls was really amazing and a tremendous amount of growth for our young team,” Harberts said.
Freshman Jolanta Szentpali fought hard for the Red Foxes, scoring two goals to put Marist on top 12-10 with 2:02 left to play in the fourth period. But junior two-meter Rose Jensen responded with back-to-back goals forcing overtime.
The Spartans senior goalkeeper Tatianna Raffin had seven saves while Marists senior goalkeeper Ines Sanchez had an impressive 13 saves.
SJSU will look to carry the momentum against Cal State University, Northridge at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Sullivan Aquatic Center in Santa Clara, Calif.
