The IU water polo team headed out to California this weekend for two conference games this weekend. On Saturday, IU matched up against Mountain Pacific Sports Federation conference opponent, No. 21 San Jose State University.
The Spartans came out scoring quickly on the Hoosiers, putting up two goals within a minute of each other. IU junior attacker Megan Abarta responded with two goals of her own to tie the game at 2-2 before the first quarter came to a close.
In the second quarter, sophomore utility Carlie Crumbaugh gave the Hoosiers their first lead of the match by scoring a goal. Abarta soon after netted her third goal of the game, giving her the hat trick and IU a 4-2 lead.
Before halftime, San Jose State found the back of the net, cutting the lead to just one. Abarta then continued her outstanding performance by scoring her fourth goal of the game right before halftime. IU was up 5-3 at the break.
San Jose State exploded for four goals in the third quarter. Freshman attacker Izzy Mandema got the Hoosiers back on the board for their first goal of the second half, narrowing the deficit to just one goal heading into the fourth quarter.
Although the Hoosiers only allowed one goal in the fourth quarter, San Jose State was able to keep them scoreless, sneaking by with with an 8-6 victory.
Freshman goalkeeper Mary Askew performed well, grabbing a steal and making 12 saves.
Following its impressive defensive battle Saturday, IU shifted gears Sunday and headed up to Berkeley, California, for a matchup against No. 4 University of California, Berkeley.
The Golden Bears had no trouble getting on the scoreboard as they found themselves with an early 10-2 lead headed into halftime.
IU freshman attacker Tina Doherty was back at it again filling the score sheet. Doherty opened up the scoring and added another in the second half. She finished with two goals in the match.
UC-Berkeley was able to get its offensive attack going from the start. Defensively, the Golden Bears held down the Hoosiers top weapons, like Doherty. IU fell in this match 17-5.
After a long season full of ups and downs, IU will look to close out the 2019 regular season on a high note at 1 p.m. April 20 at home against McKendree University.
