The eighth-ranked LMU women’s water polo team used offense to lead it to its eighth Western Water Polo Association Championship in 10 years, defeating UC San Diego 14-10 in the title game of the 2010 WWPA Championship at Hillman Aquatics Center Sunday afternoon.
The Lions finished the tournament with 41 goals in three games, setting the all-time school record. The 24 goals scored between UCSD and LMU set the all-time WWPA record for goals in a title game. The Lions defend their 2009 title and are now the winningest program in LMU history. “We knew that if we stayed aggressive and really pushed the tempo offensively, teams would have a hard time outscoring us,” said Head Coach Kyle Witt, who wins a title in his first season at the helm of the Lions. “I am really proud of this team. We really hit our stride at the tournament and I am looking forward to us continuing that in the NCAA tournament.” The Lions earn the WWPA’s automatic bid to National Collegiate Women’s Water Polo Championship hosted by San Diego State at Aztec Aquaplex, May 14-16, 2010. It will be the Lions eighth trip to the NCAA tournament. Mary Ann Campos led the Lions’ offensive attack with a season-best five goals, helping establish a 7-3 lead at the break. Kimberly Benedetti added two goals, giving her 10 in the tournament. Anne Scott also had a pair in the win. The Lions actually trailed for the first time in the tournament, as UCSD scored first. However, with a one-goal lead heading into the second quarter, the Lions outscored UCSD 4-1 to take control of the game. The two teams played even in the third and after UCSD cut the lead to three with 5:52 to play, Casey Flacks put in the dagger on a 6-on-5 to give LMU a 13-9 lead with 4:45 to play. Flacks was named tournament MVP and was on the All-Tournament first team with Benedetti and goalie Kristine Cato, who had six saves in the title game. Daisy Carrillo and Diana Romero were named second-team All-Tournament. The first round of the NCAA tournament begins Friday, May 14. LMU is seeded sixth, and will face third-seeded UCLA that afternoon. |