April 7, 2002
TEMPE, Ariz. - Playing the final home game of their inaugural season, Arizona State's women's water polo team lost a tough 2-1 overtime decision to Cal State Northridge, Sunday afternoon at Mona Plummer Aquatic Center. The Sun Devils fell to 8-12, wrapping their home schedule at 2-2, while Northridge improved to 4-14.
The game-winning goal by Jamie McGray came with 23 seconds remaining in the second overtime period, breaking a stretch of three scoreless periods. ASU senior goalie Nancy Holmes, playing in her final home game, had contained the Matadors with 13 saves, but could not stop McGray, who drifted into an open area and fired the game-winner into the cage from about 8 meters.
Deadlocked at 1-1 at halftime, both the Sun Devils and Matadors had numerous opportunities to take the lead in regulation, especially in a wild fourth quarter. At 6:02, Holmes made an aggressive pass intended for fellow senior Kim Yost, but Northridge's
Pam Barba was there for a steal. Barba immediately sent it the other way to sophomore teammate Lisa Cristol who was ahead of ASU's retreating defense. With only Holmes left to stop her, Cristol's shot slammed off the post and the game remained tied.
Two minutes later, ASU junior Kelly Prezkop lofted a shot over the head of Northridge goalie Jessica Moody, but the ball bobbed underneath the crossbar long enough for Moody to retrieve it before it passed completely into the cage.
In the final two and a half minutes, sophomore Ashley Orzalli took three shots from her 2-meter position to try and put the Sun Devils ahead, including a swift backhanded attempt that was saved by Moody.
ASU's only goal of the afternoon came at the 2:51 mark in the first quarter. With a 6-on-5 advantage, freshman Bryn Kuech missed her shot off the left side of the cage, but freshman Lena Soghomonian was there for the rebound and put-back.
Northridge's first goal was scored by Melissa Hall, who capitalized on a 6-on-5 situation at 2:52 in the second quarter. Hall took a game-high six shots on goal.
The Sun Devils will hit the road next weekend when they venture to Long Beach, Calif., for the Long Beach State Invitational, April 13-14.
Arizona State Goals -
Soghomonian 1
Northridge Goals -
Hall 1, McGray 1