Gaffney’s four not enough to lift Athenas in 2OT
REDLANDS, Calif. – The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women's water polo team were neck-to-neck with the University of Redlands on Saturday afternoon, but the Athenas (8-18, 2-4) could not take it in double-overtime as they fell 9-8 to the Bulldogs (8-19, 3-3). Junior Jessica Gaffney (CMC) led the team with four goals while sophomore Claire Baxter (CMC) had three assists and five steals, but the Redlands' defense and a whopping 17 saves from goalie Katelyn Jenkins gave the Bulldogs the edge in the match.
The Bulldogs found the net in the opening period less than 30 seconds into the game and doubled their lead four minutes later. CMS finally got on board with 2:41 left in the period thanks to a goal from sophomore Tess van Hulsen (CMC). Sami Walker scored one on a power play, but Gaffney found the net before the buzzer to cut the lead 4-3.
Rachel Nelson scored first for Redlands in the second period, but the Athenas battled back and tied the game thanks to goals from van Hulsen and Gaffney. The Bulldogs regrouped at the half and came out strong in the third period with three goals to take a 7-5 lead heading into the final period. CMS responded the fourth period in similar fashion as the Bulldogs, finding the net three times and surrendering one to Redlands to finish regulation with an 8-8 tie.
Following a scoreless overtime period, the Bulldogs finally got ahead with 1:50 left due to a goal from Rachel Nelson which was enough to win the match.
The Athenas will head across the street to face Pomona-Pitzer on Wednesday, April 12 at 7 p.m.
By Young Kim
Sports Information Assistant
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