Jan. 25, 2011
TEMPE – For the second night in a row, the Arizona State University water polo team faced the Canadian National Team in a scrimmage game in Tempe and battled tough, but, for the second time, the visitors from the north won the contest, this time scoring a 15-4 decision over the Sun Devils Tuesday night at the Mona Plummer Aquatic Center. Despite the loss, the Sun Devils were able to gain more experience for members of the team as they prepare for the coming season.
ASU defended the first possession of the game well and countered down the length of the pool before earning an exclusion and the 6-on-5 advantage just 33 seconds into the contest. There, Becca Clopp worked into an opening in the center of the defense, gathered in a pass and put the ball in the back of the net for a 1-0 lead. But, that lead was short-lived as the Canadians scored nine goals in a row, including four in the first quarter and five in the second, as the Sun Devils were unable to answer. In that string of scoring, Dominique Perreault led the way with three goals while six other Canadians each added one.
In the second half, Sarah Harris won the opening sprint and helped set up ASU’s second goal as she cut through the defense and earned an exclusion. On the ensuing power play, Harris turned and fired from seven meters out to find the back of the net and make it 9-2. Canada answered with two more goals before Harris scored again, this time deftly placing a back-hand attempt into the corner for her second score of the game. The teams would end up trading goals, including a strike from Clopp, who once again tallied on the advantage with 54 seconds remaining in the quarter.
The fourth quarter saw Canada score twice more with ASU goalie Ianeta Hutchinson staving off three other attempts, including two at nearly point-blank range. Overall, Hutchinson ended the night with nine saves in the cage while Canada’s goalie, Rachel Riddell, halted eight.
The finale of the three-game series takes place Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Tempe.
Canada def. Arizona State, 15-4
CAN - 4 - 5 - 4 - 2 = 15
ASU - 1 - 0 - 3 - 0 = 4
Goals
CAN: Perreault 5, Baren La Salle 3, Valin 2, Amorosa, Crook, Morrisseau, Radu, Robinson
ASU: Clopp 2, Harris 2
Saves
CAN: Riddell 8
ASU: Hutchinson 9