LA JOLLA, Calif. - The No. 12 University of California San Diego women's water polo team got off to a great start in this weekend's Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) Championship, knocking off No. 8-seed McKendree University, 14-2, in a quarterfinal matchup on Friday afternoon at Canyonview Aquatic Center.
UC San Diego (22-11), the No. 1-seeded host of the eight-team tournament and five-time defending champion, advances to take on No. 5-seed Sonoma State in the semifinals on Saturday afternoon beginning at 2:30 p.m.
Several Tritons had career performances on Friday, as freshman Robyn Carter (San Diego/The Bishop's School) finished with a career-high four goals with one assist, while junior Carly Innis recorded a career-best three goals and one assist.
Riley Heiduk tacked on a goal and a career-high five assists, and fellow juniors Halley Atkinson (Escondido/Mission Hills HS) and Maddy Wieseler added two goals apiece. Freshman Bennett Bugelli (La Jolla/La Jolla HS) collected four saves in the first half before giving way to sophomore Tori Rainone, who finished with three saves.
UC San Diego jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first quarter behind three goals by Innis, and took a 9-1 lead into halftime. Carter scored twice in the third quarter as the Tritons outscored McKendree (8-15) in the second half, 5-1.
All games of the 2018 WWPA Championship can be viewed for free on UCSDtritons.tv, with live stats available here through The FOSH. Parking on East Campus in La Jolla is free all weekend.
WWPA Championship Quarterfinals
No. 1 UC San Diego 14, No. 8 McKendree 2
Score By Quarters
McK: 0 1 0 1 - 2
UCSD: 6 3 4 1 - 14
Goals
McK: Emily Westlove 2.
UCSD: Robyn Carter 4, Carly Innis 3, Halley Atkinson 2, Maddy Wieseler 2, Sydney Bolland, Kayla Fedler, Riley Heiduk.
Saves
McK: Crystal Armstrong 6, Gabby Madewell 2.
UCSD: Bennett Bugelli 4, Tori Rainone 3.
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