Women’s water polo routed by national champs in opener

Long Beach State’s women’s water polo team was dominated by defending national champions UCLA, 13 -4, on Thursday night at the 49er Campus Pool.

After two minutes of play, No. 3 UCLA made it clear whose game it would be. The 49ers were resoundingly shut out the first quarter after the Bruins recorded four goals.

While No. 16 LBSU did make a rally in the fourth quarter by scoring two goals, the Bruins had the last say with their own pair of late goals to cap the scoring.

“We played the national champions. It was important our girls came out … I think in the first quarter there were nerves but I was proud they came,” head coach Gavin Arroyo said.

At the end of the second quarter, senior Kalina Houck made the conversion on a 6-on-5 to put the 49ers on the board. Up until Houck’s goal, the Bruins had enjoyed a 6-0 lead.

Sophomore goalie Kristen Stragier was not by any means idle and produced a number of saves in tight situations.

The 49ers will travel to La Jolla to compete in the two-day UC San Diego Tournament on Saturday and Sunday.