Steady Offense Clicks Again In WWP's Win Over El Camino

Scoring hasn't been a strong point for past Pasadena City College women's water polo teams. When the Lancers downed El Camino, 14-12, on Friday it marked the third straight game in which PCC scored 13 or more goals. Not since 2012 has a Pasadena squad performed the feat.

The Lancers are 2-1, all South Coast Conference games, as the high scoring has offset the team allowing 40 goals in the three games. 

PCC head coach Terry Stoddard was pleased with the team's all-freshmen starting lineup.

He said: "We played well together against El Camino. The chemistry is beginning to develop at both ends of the pool. We are seeing and hearing each other better allowing our adjustments to make a difference in both our offense and defense."

The scoring was spread out with Marina Schulz, Marley Courtney and Lilian Tahmasian all scoring four goals. Tahmasian stood out all around with two assists and a team-high five steals. Lilah Caputi added a goal and three helpers while Leila Jimenez scored once and added two assists. 

Pasadena never trailed, taking the lead for good at 3-1 with a pair of goals by Schulz on feeds by Caputi in a 42-second span during the first quarter. El Camino cut it to 5-4 but the Lancers responded with a power play goal by Caputi with 34 seconds left in the second quarter. Then with 10 seconds to go in the half, Schulz netted one for a 7-4 halftime advantage.

The PCC defense proved to be a difference as well in the close encounter as the Lancers made 15 steals and two field blocks by Courtney. Goalie Daniela Dockendorf-Cani had her best game with seven saves. All seven of the team's field players made at least one steal. 

In the game played at PCC's home pool this year at Polytechnic School, Pasadena shot better than 50 percent in 27 shots on goal.

El Camino was led by six goals from Bridget Lee, but it fell to 4-6-1 and 0-3 in conference.

Pasadena next plays at Mt. San Antonio College on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 3 p.m.