By Lindsey Boyd (@lindsboyd3):
San Jose State women’s water polo began its season 1-1 after defeating Cal State East Bay 13-5 then losing to No. 11 UC Davis, 11-8.
The No. 15 ranked Spartans hosted the Lou Tully Memorial Invitational Saturday to kick off its season and came out on a 6-0 run in the first 16 minutes against Cal State East Bay.
Senior driver Klaudia Paradi, junior 2-meter Sheila Jensen and freshman driver Lilu Uravi each contributed two points during the run. Jensen later netted in two more goals in the fourth period during a punishing 5-0 run to run away with the victory.
CSUEB who had a tough time getting past the Spartan defense as evident of its 5-of-29 scoring. Not to mention, senior goalie Katelynn Thompson had eight saves against CSUEB.
Meanwhile, SJSU took seven less shots but made eight more goals to win.
THe double-header continued for SJSU, as it faced the UC Davis Aggies Saturday afternoon. UCD started the match on a 5-1 run against the Spartans. SJSU would rally to trail by just one at the 7:00 mark of the third period, but turnovers and exclusions would cost the Spartans late.
Despite the fact that both teams scored evenly with six points in the last half, the Aggies were already on top after outscoring the Spartans 5-2 in the first two periods. They took the game, 11-8.
SJSU also had a difficult time converting off of power plays. It was 2-10 against UC Davis, while Davis went 5-12.
Paradi led the team in goals totaling five at the invitational, while Thompson recorded 19 saves.
Looking forward, the Spartans travel to Berkeley to compete in the Cal Cup where it faces No. 6 UC Irvine Jan. 27 at 8:30 a.m. It will also take on nation-best Stanford Jan. 28 at 2:15 p.m.