Water Polo Takes Sixth Among Nation's Best

Feb. 26, 2012

IRVINE, Calif. - The 10th-ranked LMU women's water polo team will look to move up in the national rankings next week thanks to its sixth place finish at the UC Irvine Invitational, which featured a field of 16 teams all ranked in the nation's top-20. The Lions split the final day of play on Sunday at the Anteater Aquatic Complex.

The Lions earned a 10-7 win over 12th-ranked Michigan to advance to the fifth-place game, falling to 8th-ranked San Diego State, 9-5 in the fourth and final game of the day.

"This was a successful weekend for us," said Head Coach Kyle Witt. "We had certain goals we were hoping to achieve and I think we did that this weekend. We played as a team all weekend."

LMU jumped on Michigan early, posting 3-1 quarters in both the first and second to lead 6-2 at halftime. They would never trail as senior Kimberly Benedetti scored three goals, while Erin Manke and Alexandra Honny added two goals each.

"Our team defense was much better and our offense is coming along nicely," said Witt. "With spring break we will have two weeks of training and can continue to work towards getting where we need to be. I was pleased with our effort this weekend."

In the final game of the day, San Diego state scored seven goals in the second and third quarters to pull away from the Lions, who led 2-1 after one. Benedetti added two more goals in the setback.

The Lions are 6-7 on the season, playing eight straight games against teams ranked 12th or higher. The Lions will be back in action on Saturday, March 10 when they host rival UC San Diego for the 2012 Centennial Game at the Burns Aquatics Center. Game time is set for 12 noon.

Game 22 (9:15 AM)
 Loyola Marymount vs. Michigan

Box Score	1	2	3	4	F
LMU	3	3	1	3	10
Michigan	1	1	2	3	7

Recap: Lions open early lead and hang on against Wolverines.

LMU goals: Ki. Benedetti - 3, Manke - 2, Honny - 2, Bonk, Beck, Delgado

MICH goals: Pratt - 2, Golden - 2, Thatcher - 2, Colton

Saves: Ponce (LMU) - 6, Adamson (MICH) - 2, Turner (MICH) - 4

Game 30 (2:45 PM)
 San Diego State vs. Loyola Marymount

Recap: Aztecs make the most of opportunities with fifth-place win over Lions.

SDSU goals: Poland - 4, Moreno, Voigt, Whalen, Long, Hermann

LMU goals: Ki. Benedetti - 2, Manke, Honny, Delgado

Saves: Campoli (SDSU) - 12, Ponce (LMU) - 9