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Water Polo Upsets No. 2 Stanford in Tempe

by thesundevils.com
Mar 6, 2021

TEMPE, ARIZ.— Down goes No. 2! The Arizona State water polo team (7-3) upset #2 Stanford (0-1) on Saturday in the first of two games against the Cardinal this weekend. A strong offensive day for ASU saw five Sun Devils record goals. 

Not only was this the program's first win over Stanford, today's win was also the first program upset over a #2 ranked team since last defeating #2 USC in 2008, ASU held a constant lead over the Cardinal throughout the game and halted a last minute fourth quarter comeback to pick up where they left off in their victory against Michigan last weekend. 

Head Coach Todd Clapper noted this record-setting day, "I am so proud of this team. This is a historic win for the team and this program, and I am looking forward to another exciting matchup tomorrow."

Senior Chelsea Karimazondo started in goal for the Sun Devils after closing out last weekend's play strong. She held the Cardinal to just nine goals on 30 shots and recorded eight saves. 

The offensive day for the Sun Devils was highlighted by junior Blaire McDowell, who led all ASU scorers with three goals and one steal. Three Sun Devils recorded two goals each, including freshman Luca Petovary who recorded two goals and steal, and has extended her scoring streak to 10 straight games in the maroon and gold. Sophomore Lara Kiss was working both sides of the ball, recording two goals, two steals, and an assist. Senior Bente Rogge had two goals on seven shots and helped out defensively with two steals against the Cardinal. Freshman Alba Olive Marti got in on the action with a goal at the 3:33 mark in the second period.

UP NEXT:
The Sun Devils will look to go back-to-back against #2 Stanford on Sunday, March 7 to close out the weekend doubleheader. The two teams will return to Mona Plummer to play at 1:00 PM MST, and the game will be available to watch via the Arizona State Live Stream. 

HOW IT HAPPENED, ASU 10, Stanford 9:

  • Rogge opened up scoring in the game, and put ASU up 1-0 off of a power play goal with 6:54 in the first period.
  • The Sun Devils jumped out to an early 3-0 lead and did not allow Stanford to lead at any point in the game. 
  • Karimazondo held the Cardinal to a 0.300 shooting percentage. 
  • The Sun Devils led 5-3 at the half. 
  • Both teams scored quickly out of the half, but ASU did the majority of the scoring in the third period. 
  • Rogge got her second power play goal of the game with 5:06 on the clock in the third that extended ASU's lead 7-4. 
  • ASU capitalized on power plays, scoring on three of seven attempts, and defensively drew seven exclusions holding Stanford to no goals on four power play attempts. 
  • McDowell's second goal of the game put ASU up 8-4.
  • ASU took a 9-5 lead into the fourth. 
  • The Cardinal offense picked up their scoring with four goals in the fourth to bring them within one, but it was no match for the Sun Devil defense. 
  • The 10th goal of the day for ASU came from Petovary in the fourth quarter.
  • The fourth quarter ended with some last minute goals from the Cardinal, but the defense held the lead to win by one. 

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