ROHNERT PARK, Calif- Leading 6-2 midway through the second period of play, the Sonoma State women's water polo team gave up seven unanswered goals and visiting Santa Clara held the Seawolves off the scoreboard in the final period to snatch a 12-8 victory on Thursday at the Dr. G Edward Rudloff Pool in Rohnert Park. The loss drops SSU to 6-23 overall and the Broncos rise to 9-12.

After having a 4-2 lead after the opening eight minutes of play, Sonoma State tacked on two more goals to lead by four over its Division I opponent. However, the Broncos scored seven straight goals to take a 9-6 lead with two minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Goals by Kyleigh Shea and Natalie Del Carlo got the Seawolves within one goal at 9-8 with 8:54 left in the contest, but Santa Clara scored three goals in the final frame and held off SSU for the 12-8 win.

Jessica Stansfield led the Seawolf offense with three goals while Bridgette Souza and Shea added two apiece. Goalie Kelsey Goode made six saves in the match.

It was the final collegiate home match for six seniors, who were honored in a pre-match ceremony -- Goode, Kelsey Lowy, Shea, Carissa DeMilte, Monica Tasier and Ashley Espinola.

Sonoma State will take two weeks off before heading down to Santa Clara on Apr. 9-10 for The Bronco Invitational, hosted by Santa Clara University. The Seawolves will face stiff competition, taking on sixth-ranked Loyola Marymount, Cal State San Bernardino, Cal State Bakersfield and San Jose State.

Santa Clara 12, Sonoma State 8
Mar. 24, 2011 at Dr. G. Edward Rudloff Pool
Rohnert Park, Calif.

SCU — 2 5 2 3 — 12 (9-12, 6-3 WWPA)
SSU — 4 2 2 0 — 8 (6-23, 1-8 WWPA)

SCU Goals: Marina Allen (4), Taylor Harkins (3), Claire Eadington (2), Laura Espinosa, Whitney Allen, Sarah Safir.
SSU Goals: Jessica Stansfield (3), Bridgette Souza (2), Kyleigh Shea (2), Natalie Del Carlo.

SCU Saves: Wren White (7).
SSU Saves: Kelsey Goode (6).