Women’s Water Polo Hits Home Pond in Conference Action

While the Riverside Aquatics Complex is home to the Tigers, it was unchartered game day waters for the new Riverside City College women's water polo team. The team has practiced in, what some may call, the best pool in the state of California. However, they have yet to host actual competition this season.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Tigers made waves in their home pond for the first time in nearly two years by hosting the Golden West College Rustlers in Orange Empire Conference (OEC) action.  Riverside was gas pedal to the floor the entire game by routing the Rustlers, 13-3.

The Tigers exploded for an 11-goal first half while tossing Golden West a goose egg. Their eight goals was the largest points total in a single frame so far this season.

Freshman Amber Nielsen paced the Tigers on the offensive front by firing home a game-high five goals. She has been the team's most consistent threat as she currently holds a 11-game scoring streak. Additionally, she has scored two or more goals in seven of the 11 games.

Freshman Lauren Loffelmacher continues to do anything and everything on both sides of the pool. She finished with three goals, two assists and a team-high five steals.

Freshman tandem Taylor Mason and Alaina Mercado each netted a goal and dished out an assist. Each assist found the hands of Freshman Lauren Nelson who finished with a pair of goals.

Freshman goalkeepers Gabriella Fisher and McKenna Ortiz shared the duties in the cage. Each finished with three saves and Ortiz earned the victory.

Live stream provided by RCC Athletics