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Sun Devil Water Polo Looking Ahead to Games Against No. 22 California Baptist

by thesundevils.com
Feb 18, 2021

TEMPE, ARIZ-- After an undefeated opening weekend at Mona Plummer Aquatic Center, Arizona State (3-0) water polo continues the hosting gig, where winless California Baptist University (0-2) comes to town. A quick two game slate is scheduled for Feb 20, to continue non conference play for the Sun Devils. The games will take place at 9:30 and 1:45 MT, and will be available to watch via ASU Live Stream 2.

The strong start to the season for the Sun Devils was a full team effort, where they saw production from newcomers and returners in the three wins over SDSU. Freshman Luca Petovary led the pack with five goals in each game against the Aztecs on Saturday, and captain Amira Van Buren followed with seven goals and five drawn exclusions in the two games to tie ASU for the highest margin of victory (11 points) in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation for the week.

 

As for the defense, Blaire McDowell and Bente Rogge have been quietly producing for the Sun Devils where they rank first (3.3) and second (2.3) in the MPSF, respectively, in steals per game. Itzahiana Baca also ranks among top goalies in the MPSF, leading the pack with 5.5 saves per game. 

Coach Todd Clapper noted that the jitters early in the season have been outweighed by his team's stellar performance, "I don't think that there are a whole lot of adjustments that we need to make right now. I mean obviously as the season goes on we're going to continue to evolve our game with some difference looks offensively, but right now we're just going to try to get better at the things that we're not good at right now"

All ASU games are closed to the public, but fans are encouraged to follow along and watch on the ASU Live Stream 2, or follow along with the live stats link.
 
Live Stream: https://pac-12.com/live/arizona-state-university-2. 
Live Stats:
Game 1, https://www.thefosh.net/live/10257  
Game 2, https://www.thefosh.net/live/10258 

About the Lancers:

  • The Lancers came into the season ranked 24th in the CWPA polls, after finishing the 2020 season 13-4
  • They went 0-2 against #3 UC Irvine to open the season.
  • CBU has lost the last 15 straight games against the Sun Devils, their last win coming April 18, 2003.
  • The leading scorer for the Lancers is Jamie Hutton, with three goals. 

ICYMI: 

  • ASU scored 46 goals in three games against San Diego State.
  • ASU's 20 points on Saturday were the third most all-time scored at home, the last time coming against OUAZ on January 25, 2020.
  • Freshman Luca Petovary leads the team with 12 goals, and is second in the MPSF behind Indiana Hoosier Izzy Mandema who holds the lead at 18 goals. 
  • ASU currently ranks fifth in the Collegiate Water Polo Association weekly polls. 
  • Blaire McDowell leads the MPFS with 10 steals, and 3.3 steals-per-game
  • Emma Fraser is second in the MPSF with eight assists, behind IU's Zoe Crouch who leads with 12.

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