Freshmen Ortiz, Gray Making Progress For Women's Water Polo

While the Pasadena City College women's water polo team remains winless at 0-3, two Lancers freshmen have stood out in local recruits--attacker Savannah Ortiz and goalie Gloria Gray.

Ortiz, from Muir High, rifled in four goals in both of the team's contests at the Southwestern Jaguar Mini Tourney played Sept. 17. She has accounted for 75 percent of PCC's offense this season in leading the team with nine goals. She is scoring at a 32.1 shooting percentage. 

Gray, a product of South Pasadena High, made nine saves in the team's 12-6 loss to Grossmont, then recorded an impressive 16 saves in a 12-5 defeat v. Southwestern. That mark is tied for the 10th highest single-game performance ever by PCC netminder. 

"We expected Savannah to lead the offense and that's what she has done already for us," said PCC head coach Terry Stoddard. "She is a strong finisher with a quick release. Gloria is different than what we've had defending the cage in recent seasons. She has a long reach and she is taller (listed at 5-foot-11) than many who play goalie at this level. She is a work in progress, but has the ability to become an outstanding collegiate goalie."

Gray also is tied for the team lead in steals with six (with Mia Hernandez). 

PCC had its South Coast Conference originally scheduled opener (Sept. 21) v. El Camino postponed due to health and safety reasons and will next play at Mt. San Antonio College on Wednesday, Sept. 28 in a 3 p.m. conference game.

Savannah Ortiz is leading the Lancers in goals thus far