March 31, 2012

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - LMU women's water polo remained unbeaten against Western Water Polo Association foes with a sweep in the opening day of the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunner Invitational III on Saturday. The Lions outscored their two WWPA foes 35-9 to improve to 13-8 on the season.

The Lions improve to 8-0 against the WWPA with a 14-6 win over Santa Clara and a 21-3 win over Cal State San Bernardino in the first day of the Roadrunner Invite on Saturday.

Sophomore Alexandra Honny continues to pace the Lions offense with eight goals in the two games, scoring four goals each against the Broncos and Coyotes. Freshman Mackenzie Beck had a breakout day, scoring seven goals in the two games, including five in the win over CSUSB.

Defense set the tone early in both games, allowing just two first half goals in the two games. The Lions did not allow a goal in the first quarter and outscored opponents 21-2 in the first half.

"We did a really good job in threatening shooters and every player on our bench contributed for us today," said Head Coach Kyle Witt. "Our aggressiveness in the first half of both games was a part of our game plan, and we did a good job in executing. We just need to continue that through four quarters."

Goalie Elise Ponce was a big part of the Lions defense, making 17 saves in the two games, including 10 in the win over CSUSB.

The Lions will face host CSU Bakersfield at 9:45 am on Sunday and then finish with Colorado State at 1:30 pm.

#7 LMU 14, Santa Clara 6
Loyola Marymount --- 4 - 5 - 3 - 2 --- 14
Santa Clara --- 0 - 2 - 1 - 3 --- 6
SCORING: LMU - Alexandra Honny 4, Morgan Bonk 2, Casey Flacks 2, Mackenzie Beck 2, Whitney Delgado 2, Kassandra Smith 2. SCU-Laura Espinosa 2, Marina Allen 1, Alison Norris 1, Lauren Radich 1, Alexandrea Cabral 1.
SAVES: LMU-Elise Ponce 7, Mackenzie Beck 1. SCU-Stephanie Clements 7, Marina Allen 1

#7 LMU 21, CS San Bernardino 3
Loyola Marymount --- 5 - 7 - 5 - 4 --- 21
Cal St. San Bernardino --- 0 - 0 - 2 - 1 --- 3
GOALS: LMU- Mackenzie Beck 5, Alexandra Honny 4, Jessica Morelos 2, Whitney Delgado 2, Nicole Morelos 2, Sammi Peck 2, Jessica Morelos 2, Casey Flacks 1, Kristin Benedetti 1. CSSB- Misty Vu 1, Shelby McCliman 1, Georgiana Bay 1.
SAVES: LMU- Elise Ponce 10, Morgan Bonk 1. CSSB- Heather Bertram 8.