Women’s Water Polo Makes Statement at the Battle of the Beach

The Riverside City College women's water polo team has been on a tear of late leading into their Orange Empire Conference (OEC) finale coming this Wednesday at home. The Tigers have gain momentum leading into the final stretch of the season by defeating Southwestern, Citrus and Golden West at the Battle of the Beach Tournament this past weekend.

Riverside played four games and held each opponent to under double-digit points even in their 9-6 loss to Cerritos. In two wins, they scored 15 or more points with multiple weapons on display.

The Tigers saw their largest offensive output come in a 17-4 victory over Southwestern.  Nine different players scored with five of them scoring two or more netters. Freshman Lauren Loffelmacher highlighted the bunch with four goals and an assist. Freshman Lauren Nelson fired home three goals while adding two assists.

Freshman Amber Nielsen and Lindsey Habegger were the main facilitators combining for seven total assists. Habegger had four, while Nielsen had three.

Freshman Taylor Mason wreaked havoc on both ends highlighted by a season-high four drawn ejections. Freshman Helen Olivares tallied one drawn ejection and added two goals in the process.

RCC recorded their third-consecutive win over Golden West as well with a 15-5 victory. Mason lead the scoring brigade with three goals, backed by two from Loffelmacher.

Nelson and Nielsen each lofted up three assists, while Nelson netted two goals herself.

Freshman Gabriella Fisher (7-5) earned the victory between the pipes with seven saves, two steals and two assists. She earned the win against Southwestern as well with nine saves.

The Tigers second victory of the tournament came in a low-scoring affair against Citrus, 8-2. Freshman McKenzie Hollis handled the majority of the socring duties with three goals. Nelson backed her with two goals.

Freshman McKenna Ortiz earned the victory in the Citrus game. She recorded lone save leading to her fifth win.