Jeanne Kelber (Photo by John Valenzuela)

Posted: Apr 17, 2013

Athenas Hang on for Senior Day Win Against Oxy

CLAREMONT, Calif. – The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women's water polo team won Wednesday April 17, 9-8 over the Occidental College Tigers at Axelrood Pool. The win keeps the Athenas perfect in conference play, with Pomona-Pitzer left on their schedule to finish up regular season play. CMS runs its SCIAC record to 7-0 and their overall record to 13-13.

Like Saturday against Whittier, CMS again came out hot, scoring in the first 20 seconds of play from junior Candace Filippelli. After Occidental tied the match at 1-1, the Athenas scored three unanswered goals. One from C. Filippelli and two from junior Alex Toohey, ending the first period with a commanding 4-1 lead.

The Tigers (3-4, 9-18) held their own against the tought Athena squad, working their way back into the match in the second period, with three goals of their own. CMS junior Alyssa Filippelli scored the lone goal in period two and the teams went into the half with CMS holding a slim 5-4 lead.

Occidental continued to push the Athenas through the third period, scoring two more goals, but CMS matched the Tigers goals, with two more of their own. One from sophomore Sarah Gonzalez and the other from A. Filippelli, ending the period with again the Athenas leading by one goal, 7-6.

The Tigers scored two goals in less than a minute of each other, taking their first lead of the day, 8-7 with only 3:45 left to play. C Filippelli scored a nice goal just inside the five meter line a few seconds later, tying the score at 8-8. With less than a couple minutes left, Toohey had a great break away opportunity when she swam behind the Tigers defense and was fouled from behind, giving her a penalty shot situation to regain the lead. She connected on a strong throw that hit the back of the net, putting the Athenas back out in front, 9-8.

With just a few seconds remaining, the Tigers had one last shot that was lobbed in on goal, but sophomore goalie Allison Hu corralled it and the Athenas hung on for the win, by the final of 9-8.

CMS senior Jeanne Kelber played in her final home match as Athena and went out a winner at home.

The Athenas battle at Pomona-Pitzer, Saturday April 20, at 11:00 AM. The SCIAC Tournament will begin Friday April 26, at Pasadena Community College.

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