Blackout Disrupts, SBCC Falls in Battle at the Beach Finale

CYPRESS, Calif. – In a back-and-forth affair which featured four ties, three lead changes, and one power outage, two late goals by Orange Coast put them over the top as the SBCC women's water polo team was defeated 11-10 in its final game at the Battle at the Beach.

Playing without an official shot clock for nearly half the game, the Vaqueros (21-4) actually outscored the Pirates (16-3) in the second half. Sophomore Utility Jenna Olson had herself a day, scoring three times in each of the two halves for a season-high six goals.

The Vaqueros trailed 9-7 early in the fourth quarter, before a 3-0 run would put them ahead. Eden Tal and Olson scored goals within a minute of each to tie it at 9-9. Megan Ditlof would give SBCC its last lead of the day, 10-9, with 4:41 remaining. Unfortunately for the Vaqueros, the Pirates would score twice in the final minute.

"We played a great game. We worked our way back from a deficit at half and were up by one with one minute to go. Unfortunately, we gave it up," head coach Chuckie Roth said. "I thought our team displayed great grit and teamwork. Jenna Olson had a great offensive game. Emily Lopez was super tough and played with a tremendous amount of character."

Emily Lopez and Emily Clapham also put away goals for SBCC in the second and third periods. Goalkeeper Chloe Mckay finished with nine saves and four steals.

With their last game at the Battle at the Beach canceled due to the power outage, the Vaqueros now set their sights on hosting the Santa Barbara City Halloween Invitational on Oct. 29-30. Their first game will be against West Valley on Friday at 5:00 p.m.