Pierce College’s women’s water polo team defeated Los Angeles Valley College by a score of 9-8 during its home game on Thursday, Oct. 10.
The two teams battled in the water during a close match, with Pierce’s victory bringing the team to a record of four wins and one loss this season. All the while, Pierce continued its undefeated streak during regular season conference play.
“We kind of thought it was going to be easy because last year we shut them down no problem,” said Samantha Buliavac, a point position player for Pierce who’s goal gave the team their first lead of the game. “We played down to their level.”
While Valley opened up the scoring in the first minute of play, it was their only lead of the game. Pierce fired back in the first quarter with two goals to take the lead, a lead the team would give up six times during the game.
“It was a close game. Our girls played great,” said Sarah Van Norman, Pierce’s head coach. “They played tough. They did what they needed to do to win, so I’m really proud of them.”
Valley brought the score to an 8-8 tie in the fourth quarter, but Pierce clinched the victory by scoring the games final goal 11 seconds later.
“I think it was a well fought battle between two — I think — quality teams,” said Peter Loporchio, Valley’s head coach.
The battle raised tension levels, resulting in Loporchio receiving a yellow card in the third period.
“I couldn’t be happier in terms of how they battled,” said Loporchio. “I just think it brings out the best in the intensity level in both teams when we play each other.”
Pierce is confident about the future of its season and the team, but will be taking the season game by game and day by day, according to Van Norman.
“I definitely think we’re going to do better and make it further than we did last year,” said Buliavac.
