Water polo team splits two games at Fullerton Tournament

The Pierce College women’s water polo team traveled to Fullerton to participate in the Fullerton College Mini Tournament, first beating Mt. San Antonio, 11-7 and losing to Fullerton, 13-3 on Friday Nov. 1.

Pierce opened the tournament in a match up against Mt. San Antonio. Coming into the game with a record of 14-8, Mt. San Antonio was defeated by Pierce, 11-7.

This was the Brahmas first ever win over Mt. San Antonio, according to Pierce head coach Sarah Van Norman.

Beating Mt. San Antonio for the first time, coach Van Norman said that she felt some key players were sophomore Samantha Buliavac, freshman Blake Stringer and sophomore Sara Booth.

Coach Van Norman said it was a “huge win for us.”

“They have a high ranking in state and they have for a while,” Van Norman said. “It looks good for our record. It could potentially help us out in the long run in terms of So Cal Regional’s and the tournament there.”

Following their big win over Mt. San Antonio, Pierce would next, face Fullerton who entered the game with a record of 24-3.

Pierce was defeated by Fullerton 13-3. Coach Van Norman said that the Fullerton game “was a tough game for them.”

“I’ve known the Fullerton coach for quite a while. He’s a great coach and always has fantastic players.” Van Norman said. “So I was really proud of our team for staying tough and playing tough the entire game through.”

At the end of the Fullerton Tournament, coach Sarah Van Norman talked to her team and told them she was “really proud of them.”

“Some losses are good losses,” Van Norman said. “I’m never going to be disappointed when they give 100 percent.”

The Pierce water polo team will next be in action during the WSC Conference games at Santa Monica college from Nov. 8-9.