Big second half lifts Concordia water polo team past Bucknell on senior night

With Concordia leading 8-7, Golden Eagles’ goalie Jaden Soto and teammates Tamsyn Evezard, Andie Perreira and Abby Mammen battle on defense to block a shot and rebound the ball with 48 seconds left. (Photo courtesy Jim Tomlin, For OC Sports Zone).

Concordia University’s women’s water polo team captured a 9-7 victory over Bucknell Friday on senior night in front of a big crowd at the Woollett Aquatics Complex.

The Golden Eagles (10-13 overall) had three seniors: Melinna Galbraith, Tamsyn Evezard and Andie Perreira leading the way with two goals each.

Samantha Rainey had three blocks in the first half and Jaden Soto had a great second half with 10 saves.  Andie Perreira drew three exclusions and four field blocks for the Golden Eagles allowing them to gain an edge over Bucknell.

Concordia trailed 5-3 at halftime and outscored Bucknell 6-2 in the second half.

“We were focused and excited for tonight‘s game,” said Concordia Coach Casey Greenawalt. “The atmosphere on the pool deck was amazing. We had several ladies step up tonight and we executed our game plan well. The game was close the entire way and even after we were behind our seniors lead with their experience and finished the game with strong defense. We are very happy with our effort in the pool and getting a win on senior night is always special.”

The team’s next home game is Saturday, April 6 at the Woollett Center vs. Fresno State.