Classen, Neiderhiser Star in Shutout of Santa Monica as Vaqs Roll into Postseason

SANTA MONICA, CA – The Santa Barbara City College Women's Water Polo team completed their regular season Monday afternoon, shutting out conference foe Santa Monica 7-0. The game was rescheduled from the Mountie Classic tournament at Mt. San Antonio College in September.

"Super proud of our team today," head coach Chuckie Roth said. "This group has worked incredibly hard, and we are excited about the postseason and opportunities that land in front of us."

The win means the Vaqueros head into the postseason with a remarkable 29-1 record and a 5-0 conference record. They are unbeaten against CCCAA opponents.

Being on a Monday afternoon, the Vaqueros were without a handful of players. However, the win emphasizes the constant team effort and great dynamic amongst the players that has been a huge reason for SBCC's success this season.

After a scoreless first quarter, Taylor Classen opened the scoring with a goal midway through the second. The Vaqueros took the 1-0 lead into halftime and kept it for the remainder of the match.

In the third period, Tayten Neiderhiser took over, netting 3 goals and scoring twice in 40 seconds.

Then, Classen scored again on the first possession of the fourth period, and the Vaqueros defense continued to blank Santa Monica. Neiderhiser added her fourth goal, and Classen added her third on the way to a 7-0 victory.

Goalie Kate Densmore, who has played every minute in goal for the Vaqueros this season, tallied 12 saves and no goals allowed. Gabi Turnbull led in steals with 3, while Neiderhiser added 2.

Tayten Neiderhiser and Taylor Classen each accounted for 4 goals, with Neiderhiser scoring 4 and Classen scoring 3 and assisting 1.

"Taylor and Tayten have been outstanding team members all year long. It was fun to see them have an opportunity to showcase what they do today," Roth said proudly.

The Vaqueros head to LA Valley this weekend to play the winner of LA Valley and Cuesta to open the WSC Conference tournament. SBCC seeks their ninth straight conference championship, a streak that began at the inception of the program in 2014.