CLAREMONT, CA. – The Pomona-Pitzer Women's Water Polo team clinched first place in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings after a dominating 18-1 victory over Caltech on Wednesday evening. This marked the second straight season the Sagehens took the top spot in the conference. Crystal Huang broke out with a season-high six goals while notching a steal and an assist while Janelle Lewis scored four goals and made four steals and two assists.
Season Impact: The Sagehens now carry a 19-10 record overall and are a perfect 13-0 in the SCIAC.
Kahea Kahaulelio got the Sagehens on board with the opening goal and Janelle Lewis followed a minute later to help the Hens to a 2-0 lead. Samantha Martinez netted the third goal off a one-touch shot thanks to a quick pass from Kahaulelio and Natasha Rosenthal scored off a pass from Huang to make it 4-0. Caltech finally scored with 2:52 remaining in the opening period, as Samantha D'Costa connected off a pass from Katie Johnson to cut the deficit 4-1. However, Huang scored with five seconds remaining on the counterattack to boost the lead 5-1.
The Hens continued to push forward on offense, rattling the Beavers with six straight goals to lead 11-1 at halftime. Huang later went on an incredible run, scoring five consecutive goals from the end of the third period towards the middle of the fourth to extend the lead 17-1. Rosenthal scored the final goal with 2:35 remaining and the Hens held off since.
Up Next: The Sagehens will host their final game of the regular season against Chapman University this Saturday, April 21 at 11 a.m. Before the start of the game, the Sagehens will publicly recognize the senior members on the team for their service to the program.
