W. Water Polo: Cerritos finishes fourth in conference

File Photo: Ashley Padilla scored five goals in the Falcons win over Rio Hondo
File Photo: Ashley Padilla scored five goals in the Falcons win over Rio Hondo

Entering the South Coast Conference Tournament, the Cerritos College women's water polo team knew they had to win three games for the tournament title and be eligible for the Southern California Regional Playoffs. The Falcons opened with a 16-15 win over Rio Hondo College to advance to the semi-finals, but suffered a 19-12 loss at the hands of Mt. San Antonio College to end their outside hopes. Cerritos (11-19) concluded their season with a 13-6 loss to Long Beach City College.

Cerritos vs. Rio Hondo: In a game they had to win, the Falcons were able to pull out the victory over the Roadrunners. Sophomores Carla Harvey (Potomac Falls, VA HS) and Ashley Padilla (California HS) combined for 11 goals, while Harvey also contributed three steals. Freshman Lucila Davies (Santa Fe HS) made four saves in goal, while freshman Kristin Park (Cerritos HS) led the team with four steals. Park, the team's primary goalkeeper during the season, scored a goal in the win.

Cerritos vs. Mt. San Antonio: The Mounties came out early and scored at will, as they took a 9-2 lead in the first period. Cerritos trailed 15-4 at halftime, but did go on to outscore their opponent, 8-4 in the second half. Harvey accounted four six goals, while sophomore Celeste Ibarra (Gahr HS) added four goals. Padilla assisted in three of the goals and posted three steals, with Davies making four saves, before stepping aside for freshman Amanda Rabb (Gahr HS), who had three saves.

Cerritos vs. Long Beach City: Harvey scored twice to finish her record-breaking season with 126 goals and concluded her career with 169 goals. That ranks second on the school's all-time list begine Stephanie Rosero, who had 196 goals in her career. It was a close 7-5 Vikings lead at halftime, but the Falcons struggled to score in the second half and dropped their final game.