04.18.2009 - [Women's Water Polo]
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Photo By: Andy Templeton
RIVERSIDE, CA --- Concordia
picked up a 10-6 victory in the morning against Azusa Pacific, but the
Eagles fell a win short of the CWPA/NAIA National Invitational title
for the second year in a row with a 13-7 loss to California Baptist.
It was the Eagles' third loss this season to the Lancers and seventh
loss in as many meetings in the all-time series, dating back to last
year, as Concordia ends its season at 11-14.
California Baptist wins its second national title in the tournament's second year, and closes out the season with a 22-8 mark.
Sam Gelberger finished the day with six goals overall, two in each
game, while Danielle O'Toole scored three goals in game one, but was
held to one goal in the season finale.
Gelberger scored twice in the first quarter of game one, against Azusa
Pacific, as the Eagles opened up a 5-1 advantage after eight minutes
were complete. O'Toole, Tuesday Schellinger and Alex Barnes also
chipped in a goal to fuel the rally.
Schellinger scored twice in the opener, while Gimena Altamirano netted
one goal in support of goalie Lauren Biberston, who finished with five
saves in the, 10-6, win.
The Eagles scored only once in the first half, and twice over the first three periods, in game two, as California Baptist led by as much as 10-2 in the third quarter. Biberston kept herself occupied, nabbing 13 saves in the losing effort.
Pelin Chalayan scored once, while Barnes tallied one goal in the season finale.
Concordia breaks the double-digit barrier in season wins for the first time in its two-year existence, in head coach Steve Carrera's first year at the program's helm.