While enduring a difficult campaign that demanded heart, mental toughness, and development from the Bulldogs, the University of Redlands women's water polo team rallied together to grab six wins in the final half of the season, providing palpable momentum just before the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Championship. Overall, the Bulldogs mustered a 6-22 record and a 4-7 mark in conference as the capable squad grappled with a new style and philosophy under first-year Head Coach Chris Gielen.
Redlands battled through a tough, opening six weeks of competition that included multiple upper-division opponents during various events away from the Thompson Aquatic Center. One highlight of this stretch came on Friday, March 13, of all dates, as the Bulldogs inched closer to victory with a one-goal loss to St. Francis College (NY) during the CBU Lancer Invitational. This was just enough momentum to propel the Maroon and Gray into the win column, as Saturday's results were both positive with a doubleheader sweep of Washington & Jefferson College (PA) and Macalester College (MN). In the 11-7 victory over Washington & Jefferson, junior utility player Caitlyn Freeman (Brentwood, CA) set the tone early by notching a first-period score and a buzzer-beating netter in the second period. By the final whistle, senior utility player Deandra Van Houten (Huntington Beach, CA) led the way with three goals, while senior attacker Tricia Bannister (Naperville, IL) chipped in two scores. The Bulldogs kept the positive play rolling, as they collected a 12-6 triumph over Macalester to celebrate a quality day at the pool. Sophomore defender Rashel Alvarez-Zakson (Santa Monica, CA), junior attacker Meg Claypool (Portland, OR), and Bannister teamed up to push the Maroon and Gray's lead to 6-3 after two periods. From here on, Van Houten appeared to take over the contest, as she notched four-consecutive goals to aid the 12-6 victory. Junior goalkeeper AC Lopez (Northridge, CA) defended the pipes nicely, maintaining the six-goal advantage at game's end.
After the Bulldogs endured their difficult schedule over the next two weeks, they snagged their first SCIAC victory in the final match of March when Redlands knocked off the Caltech Beavers by a score of 14-3. Junior attacker Jane Kim (Sunnyvale, CA) displayed her talents in an authoritative manner by firing home three-consecutive scores to end the second period. Van Houten netted a team-high four goals, while Bannister remained consistent on the year with three scores. Junior Maurisa Major (Sacramento, CA) stepped in between the pipes for an injured Lopez and held the Beavers to three goals, which marked a season-low for the Maroon and Gray defense.
With its first conference win under its belt, Redlands began showing promise for a bright future by firing off a three-game win streak against conference competition, with each victory coming in one-goal fashion. In a thrilling, 13-12 overtime victory against the Cal Lutheran University Regals, the Bulldogs used a corps of scoring outlets, which was highlighted by the sharp-shooting skills of junior attacker Annie Kinney (Newport Beach, CA). Not only did she notch three goals for the Maroon and Gray, but her final score came in the golden-goal overtime period with just four seconds remaining. Freeman and Claypool notched two scores apiece, while freshman attacker Rachel Haney (Redmond, OR) and Bannister fired home one each. Lopez returned to action and was instrumental between pipes by raking in eight saves.
The Bulldogs seemed to reach a mark of somewhat consistent competitiveness, as the Maroon and Gray pulled off another nail-biter in a 14-13 win over the University of La Verne. The Bulldog defense squandered many Leopard scoring opportunities early in the game, which set an immediate tone to the contest. Lopez provided a highlight reel save that kept the Bulldogs on the advantage. Offensively, Van Houten led all Bulldogs with five goals, while Kinney notched four scores.
The Bulldogs reached their three-game winning streak with a victory against Occidental College on Senior Day, when they honored Van Houten and Bannister for their commitment and successes in the Bulldog program. Seven different players scored in the game, which included a goal from freshman attacker Alea Weber (Haiku, HI).
Unfortunately, the Bulldogs' streak came to an end, as they dropped the following three contests during the SCIAC Championships, placing them eighth overall. However, Redlands showed just how far it had come, as each game was decided by two or fewer goals. Junior utility player Taylor Christie (Anaheim, CA) really stepped up her play during the busy weekend tournament, as she tallied eight goals, including one that forced overtime in the Bulldogs' final outing.
Upon conclusion of the season, Van Houten was named to the All-SCIAC First Team due to her 31 goals in 11 conference games. In addition, she drew 12 ejections and pocketed three steals.
Christie was named to the All-SCIAC Sportsmanship Team after netting 18 goals, swiping 12 steals, and drawing three ejections during conference competition.
Although the win-loss record was not as favorable as it had desired, the Bulldog women's water polo team revealed plenty of heart, skill, and perseverance to develop into a contending squad at the SCIAC Championships. Despite the loss of their seniors, the Bulldogs hold high expectations for the returning players to up the ante on their standard of success, as they guide the team back to the upper echelon of the conference and beyond. With Gielen leading the way, Redlands' future promises to be exciting and lucrative in the years to come.