April 30, 2011

Box Score | Photo Gallery

HAYWARD, Calif. - For the 11th consecutive season, the LMU women's water polo team finds themselves in the title game of the Western Water Polo Association Women's Championships, defeating host Cal State East Bay, 14-7, on Saturday in the 2011 semifinals at Chabot Community College.

Playing the host institution in the semifinals for the third straight year, the Lions scored the first nine goals of the game and led 12-2 after three quarters to run into their 11th WWPA title game.

The Lions improve to 26-8 on the season and 13-0 against WWPA foes and will face UC San Diego, who defeated Santa Clara 9-7 in the other semifinals. The title game is at 1:30 p.m., Sunday. The Lions have run their winning streak against the WWPA to 37.

Erin Manke led the Lions with three goals, giving her seven in the first two games of the tournament. Alexandra Honny and Kimberly Benedetti added two each as the Lions led 9-0 at the break.

Cal State East Bay (20-14) scored the first two goals of the second half, but the Lions scored three straight to end the third quarter, including Manke's goal with just one second left, to make it 12-2.

The game featured 23 exclusions, 14 on the Lions. However, their 6-on-5 defense was impressive, holding the Pioneers to just 2-of-14 on the extra-man attack. The Lions went 5-for-9 on the 6-on-5.

The Lions will face UC San Diego in the finals for the second straight year and for the fifth time overall. The Lions won last year in Bakersfield, Calif., 13-10.