Tempe, Ariz. -- The fourth-ranked Arizona State water polo team defeated No. 15 San Jose State, 11-3, Saturday afternoon at the Mona Plummer Aquatic Center.
Saturday marked the final home game for the three members of the senior class, goalie Taylor Barrett, attacker Stephanie Contreras and attacker Claudia Abad. The seniors were honored for their contributions to the ASU water polo program in a ceremony before the start of the match.
In what would develop into a physical matchup, the Sun Devils jumped out to an early lead thanks to execution and teamwork. Center Rosie Huck opened the scoring for ASU with a goal before Bente Rogge followed with a goal of her own to give the Sun Devils the early, 2-0, lead.
Attacker Lena Mihailovic would double the ASU lead, scoring twice in the final minute of the first quarter to push the Devils out in front 4-0 after one period.
The Spartans struck for their first goal of the game and the only goal of the half with 5:54 left in the second. ASU responded in a big way, holding the SJSU attack without a goal until only 33 seconds remained in the game.
"I thought that was our best defensive performance," head coach Todd Clapper said. "When we were playing with them, everyone was working hard for position. There was a lot of good shot blocking. On offense, we were creating every time. There were moments where we didn't shoot very well, but I felt like they moved the ball well and created opportunities."
ASU tallied three goals and continued to play suffocating defense in the third period, pulling ahead of the Spartans by a score of 7-1. Two of the goals were provided by senior Stephanie Contreras, the second of which beat the third period buzzer by a second. Fellow senior Taylor Barrett entered the game in goal for the Sun Devils in the fourth period.
"I thought the seniors were great," Clapper added. "We are really appreciative of what they've done here."
Both Rosie Huck and Alkistis Benekou added a pair of goals each in the final period to cement the win for the Sun Devils.
With the win, Arizona State recorded their first conference home victory of the season.
The Sun Devils will participate in the MPSF Championships, which begin on April 28. Opponent and game time to be determined. Fans can stay up to date with all of the action from the 2017 postseason by following @ASUWaterPolo on twitter.
Saturday marked the final home game for the three members of the senior class, goalie Taylor Barrett, attacker Stephanie Contreras and attacker Claudia Abad. The seniors were honored for their contributions to the ASU water polo program in a ceremony before the start of the match.
In what would develop into a physical matchup, the Sun Devils jumped out to an early lead thanks to execution and teamwork. Center Rosie Huck opened the scoring for ASU with a goal before Bente Rogge followed with a goal of her own to give the Sun Devils the early, 2-0, lead.
Attacker Lena Mihailovic would double the ASU lead, scoring twice in the final minute of the first quarter to push the Devils out in front 4-0 after one period.
The Spartans struck for their first goal of the game and the only goal of the half with 5:54 left in the second. ASU responded in a big way, holding the SJSU attack without a goal until only 33 seconds remained in the game.
"I thought that was our best defensive performance," head coach Todd Clapper said. "When we were playing with them, everyone was working hard for position. There was a lot of good shot blocking. On offense, we were creating every time. There were moments where we didn't shoot very well, but I felt like they moved the ball well and created opportunities."
ASU tallied three goals and continued to play suffocating defense in the third period, pulling ahead of the Spartans by a score of 7-1. Two of the goals were provided by senior Stephanie Contreras, the second of which beat the third period buzzer by a second. Fellow senior Taylor Barrett entered the game in goal for the Sun Devils in the fourth period.
"I thought the seniors were great," Clapper added. "We are really appreciative of what they've done here."
Both Rosie Huck and Alkistis Benekou added a pair of goals each in the final period to cement the win for the Sun Devils.
With the win, Arizona State recorded their first conference home victory of the season.
The Sun Devils will participate in the MPSF Championships, which begin on April 28. Opponent and game time to be determined. Fans can stay up to date with all of the action from the 2017 postseason by following @ASUWaterPolo on twitter.