PASADENA, Calif. (March 12, 2022) - After a well fought game, the Caltech Women's Water Polo team fell to the University of Redlands Bulldogs with a final score of 1-8 on Saturday afternoon. The Beavers headed into the match up with only seven of their players and no substitutions.  Despite the setback, the seven were determined to work hard and keep the Bulldogs on their toes. 

"We were shorthanded with no subs and that always presents an interesting and challenging opportunity," says Head Coach Jon Bonafede. "The physical demands that water polo presents is significant and when your players all have to play the entire 32 minutes, needless to say I was really impressed with how the team handled this. The group was in great spirits and they didn't shy away from the opportunity to get better today." 

Senior goalkeeper Zoe Rock(Chappaqua, N.Y. / Horace Greeley) faced two penalty shots in the game and successfully blocked one. Moreover, Rock only let two goals score in the second half and totaled 9 saves for the day. With 2:35 left in the fourth period, sophomore Emma Gurcan(Portland, Ore. / Lincoln) scored the Beavers' one goal. Gurcan also made a total of 7 steals in the game, breaking the team's previous steals record by one. 

Bonafede continues, "Our goalkeeper got her hands on two penalty shots and blocked one. We kept the score close and them from countering. I'm really proud of the group and hope we can build off of this in the next few weeks when we get everyone back to full strength. I expect us to play some very exciting water polo down the stretch.  To single out a player, I'd acknowledge Emma Gurcan and her passion. In setting the team steals record she demonstrated how her commitment to the team and sport. She gives it 100% every game no matter the score and this is demonstrated by her effort today and each game." 

Head Coach Jon Bonafede and the Women's Water Polo team will face Pomona-Pitzer tomorrow, Sunday March 13, at 11:00 am. Visit GoCaltech.com for information on livestreaming and results.