By Jessica Jimenez — Staff Writer
San Jose State women’s water polo (2-2) made a splash when they hosted China’s national team for an exhibition match at West Valley College, but ultimately fell 20-5.
Despite an active first quarter on the offensive end, the Spartans were shut out 6-0.
Junior driver Sierra Painter scored the first goal for the Spartans on a power play in the second quarter.
China’s defensive strategy was strong the whole way through which led them to a nine-goal lead at the halftime mark while the Spartans trailed behind 11-2.
Freshman goalkeeper Sophia Reyes defended the goal with 8 saves for the entirety of the match.
In the fourth quarter, sophomore 2-meter Tyanna Supreme was able to defend and complete a goal outside the 2-meter line.
Sophomore utility Riley Agerbeek’s fourth quarter forehand shot led the Spartans to their fourth and final goal of the game.
Junior driver Caroline Kerwin saw the opponents as a difficult, high level team and thought it was great to play them despite the deficit.
“Playing a Chinese national team is just great experience,” Kerwin said. “We stick together, play hard no matter what team we’re playing and give it our all no matter what score it is. We stay positive the whole time by pumping each other up.”
Head coach Garbor Sarusi thought the Spartans came out and tried their best during the matchup against China.
“We still have a long way to go. I mean, we played against a really strong national team which is good training for us,” said Sarusi.
After a difficult game the Spartans will play against the Stanford Cardinal at 11:15 a.m. and against Cal State Monterey Bay Otters on Feb. 16 in Davis.
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