Feb. 4, 2006

DAVIS, Calif. - The San Jose State women's water polo team outscored UC Davis 5-3 and handed the Aggies their first home loss of the season in a Saturday afternoon match-up at Schaal Aquatic Center. The Aggies came within two points of the Spartans in the fourth but were unable to convert on a series of counter attack opportunities late in the game.

San Jose was the first to get on the board with 3:44 on the clock in the first quarter with a shot scored by Katie Morgan during a six-on-five power play. Following two failed attempts to convert on six-on-five opportunities, Coach Jamey Wright called a timeout for the Aggies following a San Jose ejection. The result was the first Aggie goal of the game provided by Casie Mota tying the game at 1-1.

The Spartans came out in the second and were able to score on a six-on-five play less than 30 seconds into the quarter with another goal by Morgan. Juliet Moss posted the Spartan's third goal exactly one minute later. As the time wound down on the first half, the Spartans drew a four-meter which they converted into their fourth goal with a penalty shot scored by Angela Riddle. At the end of the first half of play, the Aggies trailed 1-4.

In the third, despite suffering three ejections, the UC Davis defense was able to keep the Spartans scoreless with the help of Lina Moore's three blocks and several blocks from the field. Going into the fourth quarter the game's score remained at 4-1.

Within the first minute of the final quarter, Christi Raycraft drew a four-meter penalty. Raycraft took the penalty shot and brought the Aggies within two points of the Spartans. San Jose State responded with a goal on the next possession by Alexis Higlett.

Katherine O'Rourke was able to find the back of the net for the Aggies with 3:41 left to play, bringing UC Davis once again within two. The Aggies managed to create several counter attack advantages in the ensuing minutes, but were unable to convert on several shot attempts bringing the final score to 5-3 in favor of the Spartans.

"We played a great defensive game, but we just couldn't get our offense into gear and that was disappointing. I was really pleased with our defense and our counter attacks. I feel that we really pushed the envelope on our counters and we created a lot of opportunities that we didn't cash in on. We were taking good shots though and at this point in the season I am happy with the amount of opportunities we made for ourselves," said Coach Wright of the match-up.

With the loss, the Aggie record drops to 2-2. UC Davis will be in action on the road on Sunday as they face UC Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz at noon before taking on Cal State Monterey Bay later that afternoon in Monterey at 4 p.m.

San Jose State 5, UC Davis 3

                   1    2    3    4   FinalUC Davis           1    0    0    2     3San Jose State     1    3    0    1     5

UC Davis Goals: Christi Raycraft 1, Casie Mota 1, Katherine O'Rourke 1.
San Jose State Goals: Katie Morgan 2, Juliet Moss 1, Alexis Higlett 1, Angela Riddle 1.

UC Davis Goalie Saves: Lina Moore 6.
San Jose State Goalie Saves: Krissy Hansell 6, Kendra Adama 5.