The University of Redlands women's water polo made the most of opportunity by capturing three wins in three outings during the opening day of the Macalester Invite in Minnesota. First, the Bulldogs gained a 15-9 win over Monmouth College (IL) before knocking off Carthage College (WI) in a 13-2 decision. Finally, the tripleheader triumph came off of a 13-10 decision over the host school.
Against Monmouth, the Maroon and Gray broke a 1-1 tie and never relinquished the lead with stellar defense and a well-balanced attack. Leading 5-4 early in the second quarter, the Bulldogs fired off six-straight scores to own an 11-4 advantage by the 7:27-mark of the third.
Senior attacker Katelyn Jenkins (Bellevue, WA) and first-year attacker Holly Kvanvig (Beaverton, OR) each provided a hat trick, while senior center Kolby Kahahawai (Kailua, HI) and junior attacker Hunter Olivier (Indio, CA) accounted for two goals apiece. Senior goalkeeper Kelly Grosswendt (Newbury Park, CA) served as a brick wall with 14 saves.
While taking on Carthage, the Bulldogs continued to press on the offensive gas pedal by scoring 10 unanswered goals for a comfortable lead by the 3:58-mark of the third period. During this stretch, Redlands gained at least one goal from seven different players, including two from sophomore attacker Kelly Klish (Glenview, IL). Grosswendt remained steady between the posts and racked up 19 stops in a full-game effort.
The final contest of the day brought the tightest score, as Redlands topped Macalester, 13-10. However, the Maroon and Gray broke a 5-5 stalemate with six-consecutive goals for the difference-maker in the outcome. Although Macalester doubled its offensive output in the final 16 minutes, Redlands' win was never in question.
Kahahawai carried the load with seven goals, including a second-quarter hat trick. In addition, senior utility player Breanna O'Dea (Rowland Heights, CA) found the back of the net twice. Defensively, Grosswendt added 15 saves to her stellar day in the pool.
Redlands (3-6) continues the Macalester Invite on Sunday, February 24. First, the Bulldogs take on the Virginia Military Institute at 9:30 a.m. and then face Carthage in a second meeting at 1 p.m.