Feb. 26, 2003

Los Angeles, CA (Feb. 26) -- Playing in their final game before a nine-day break, the Loyola Marymount University women's water polo team defeated a team from Australia, 5-2 in an exhibition game at the Burns Recreation and Aquatics Center on Wednesday afternoon.

In a game dominated by defense, the Lions scored four second half goals to earn the win. Junior Devon Wright scored the final two goals of the game. The Australian team was a group of university all-stars touring during their summer break.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Lions would get on the board first with a penalty shot by Jessica Conner with 4:55 remaining in the second quarter. Australia would then tie the game with just 29 seconds left in the half on a goal by Elly Goodwin.

The teams would then combine for three goals in the final 30 seconds of the third quarter. LMU, who never trailed, would take a one-goal lead when Julia Wald scored with 26 seconds remaining. Australia would then tie the score on a penalty shot by Goodwin with nine seconds remaining. Freshman Katie Hicks would then score on a shot from half tank to give LMU a 3-2 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Wright would score at the 5:41 mark and then at the 2:00 mark for the 5-2 win. Freshman goalie Rachel Riddell would help preserve the win with four fourth quarter saves, 13 on the game.

Up next for LMU will be the UC Santa Barbara Tournament on March 8-9.

Scoring

Australia		0	1	1	0	-	2
#6 LMU		0	1	2	2	-	5
Scoring:
Aus - Elly Goodwin 2.
LMU - Devon Wright 2, Jessica Conner, Julia Wald, Katie Hicks.
Saves:
Aus - Annabel Sides 6.
LMU - Rachel Riddell 13.