CLAREMONT, Calif (March 13, 2022) - A very shorthanded women's water polo team proudly represented Caltech as they took the pool against the nation's #1 ranked Pomona-Pitzer Colleges' Sagehens on Sunday. With team members sidelined due to illness, injury, and graduate school interviews, this matchup provided another tremendous challenge for the Beavers.  The final score didn't show in Caltech's favor, but there was much to be excited about in the 17-6 result.

Trailing 5-0 in the first period, the Beavers scored on a terrific individual move by sophomore attacker Emma Gurcan (Portland, Ore. / Lincoln). After sliding past her defender, Gurcan fired a shot that beat the Sagehens' goalkeeper to get Caltech on the scoreboard and back into the contest. Unfortunately, the attempt to come back was thwarted by the Sagehens, as they proceeded to run off nine unanswered goals, holding the Beavers scoreless in the second period.

Senior goalkeeper Zoe Rock (Chappaqua, N/Y. / Horace Greeley) made a valiant effort to keep the Beavers close, posting seven saves on the afternoon and a save percentage of .292.  After the intermission, Caltech made some adjustments that proved helpful, especially in the fourth and final quarter.  Gurcan's four-goal and three-steal contribution, alongside the two-goal and four-steal afternoon turned in by junior, utility player Amanda Piyapanee (Southlake, Texas / Carroll), led the way for the Beavers. The final Caltech goal, scored by Gurcan and assisted by freshman Sophia Slora (Wenatchee, Wash. / Wenatchee), came on a 6 on 5 power play goal.  Starting with a pass from the opposite side of the pool by Slora, it was a beautifully executed player advantage opportunity that gave Caltech a boost of confidence. Having relentlessly worked on the set piece, the team gained satisfaction knowing that positive results are coming from the effort and commitment they are making.  As a testament to how much effort and determination the Beavers have been demonstrating, and the late game efforts of Gurcan, Piyapanee and the entire Caltech team, the Beavers outscored the Sagehens 4-3 in the fourth quarter.

Head Coach Jon Bonafede and the women's water polo team is back in action on Saturday, March 19 when they travel to Thousand Oaks to take on the #3 nationally ranked Regals of California Lutheran University.  The Beavers will have their hands full but hope that the week of recovery and preparation will have them ready to challenge Cal Lutheran.  To follow this upcoming game and all Caltech Beavers athletic action, please go to www.GoCaltech.com.  You can live stream the contests as well as follow live stats.