Feb. 25, 2012
#5 Arizona State 14, #13 UC Davis 12
The Arizona State University water polo team had its biggest challenge on the defensive end of things that it has had all season but relied on its high octane offense to carry the Sun Devils past #13 UC Davis in the opener of the UC Irvine Invitational, 14-12.
The 12 goals given up by ASU marked the first time a team had scored in double digits against the Sun Devils all season. Luckily, with Arizona State’s offense, they will always have a shot in games that come down to a shootout.
Senior Annabelle Carter continued her recent tear with five goals – including two in the fourth - while Kelsey White and Alicia Brightwell netted three apiece.
The Sun Devils entered halftime tied at seven, marking the first time all season the team wasn’t leading at the midway point. The offense continued to come alive in the second and the Sun Devils jumped to a 12-8 lead with six minutes left in the fourth.
The Aggies wouldn’t go softly though and brought it back within 13-12 with a minute left. The Sun Devils were able to add a final goal in the last minute though and held on for the victory to advance to the quarterfinal round and its first MPSF opponent of the season, #4 Cal.
#5 Arizona State def. #13 UC Davis, 14-12
ASU – 5-2-3-1 = 14
UC Davis – 4-3-1-4 = 12
GOALS
ASU: Carter - 5, White - 3, Brightwell - 3, Kertes, Salloum, Fowler
UC Davis: Dunn - 3, Eggert - 2, Faber - 2, Curran - 2, Bailey, Feeney, Mohr
SAVES
Hutchinson (ASU) - 5
Woods (UCD) – 9