Feb. 9, 2008

Hilton Hotels Colorado State Invitational Day One Results

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Valentina Rozas (Pico Rivera, Calif./El Rancho) scored a team-high three goals and three other Bison contributed two each as the Bucknell women's water polo team won its third game of the day, defeating host Colorado State 12-9 Saturday evening at the Hilton Hotels Invitational. The Bison have now started the season 3-0 for the second time in program history.

The score was tied after each of the first three quarters, but Bucknell (3-0) outscored the Rams (1-7) 5-2 in the fourth quarter to win their third straight game. As the top seed in the four-team field, the Bison will play fourth-seeded UC Santa Cruz in the first semifinal Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. (Eastern). If they win, they will face either Colorado State or Marist in the championship at 3:15 p.m. The consolation game will be held at 1:45 p.m.

Rozas, who tallied seven goals and three assists in the three games Saturday, led the Bison with a season-high three scores. Shana Palencia (Glendale, Calif./Hoover), Meagan Gins (Albuquerque, N.M./Valley) and Kandis Canonica (Burlingame, Calif./St. Ignatius Prep) added two goals apiece. With six total points Saturday Gins moved to within two points of third place on the Bison career points list with 255.

In addition to her three goals, Rozas was strong on the defensive end with a career-high five steals. Jennifer Swoyer (Erie, Pa./McDowell) equaled her career high by posting four steals for the second consecutive game.

Bucknell goalies Alison Carter (Costa Mesa, Calif./Newport Harbor) and Rachel McGillis (Los Altos, Calif./Los Altos), who had each played a full game earlier in the day, split time in the cage. Carter started and made five saves and allowed four goals in the first half. McGillis played the second half and tallied four saves while yielding five goals.

The Bison will wrap up their busy opening weekend Sunday as the four-team field begins the championship portion of the tournament. Bucknell's first opponent will be UC Santa Cruz, a squad it defeated 18-8 earlier in the day on Saturday.

COLORADO STATE    1 3 3 2 -9
BUCKNELL               1 3 3 5 -12

Goals: Rozas (3), Palencia (2), Gins (2), Canonica (2), Swoyer, Prickett, Rowe.
Assists: Rowe. Ejections Drawn: Allen (3), Rozas (2), Gins (2), Canonica, Prickett, Rowe.
Saves: Carter (5 svs., 4 ga., 16:00 min.), McGillis (4 svs., 5 ga., 16:00 min.).
Steals: Rozas (5), Swoyer (4), Rowe (3), Palencia, Gins.
Sprints: Canonica (0-2), Palencia (0-1), Allen (0-1).
Record: 3-0