Taking on an alumni team with multiple former All-State players, the Cerritos College women's water polo team knew that getting off to a fast start would benefit them. The current Falcons did just that by jumping out to a 6-1 first period lead before holding on for a 13-12 decision at the Falcon Aquatic Center on Saturday. Cerritos (6-3) will resume South Coast Conference play on Monday at 3:00 p.m. when they host East Los Angeles College.

A 12-6 third period lead slowly started to dwindle, as the former players began to get into their rhythm. In addition to the former All-State players, four member of the 2008 CCCAA State Championship team were also competing for the alumni. Former All-American Stephanie Rosero helped the alumni score five straight goals to get to within 12-11, as she scored three times. Additionally, with Stephanie Tuning taking over in goal, the alumni turned the Falcons away on seven straight possessions.

With less than 3:00 remaining in the fourth quarter, Cerritos took a 13-11 lead on a Lizbeth Gomez (Schurr HS) power play goal. The alumni responded with a six-on-five goal of their own with :44 seconds left on the clock. After the Falcons looked to run time off the clock next possession, the alumni had the ball with :09 seconds left in hopes of sending the game to overtime. But they didn't get off a shot and Cerritos escaped with the win.

Gomez scored four of the team's goals, while the tandem of sophomores Isabella Sierra (California HS) and Jackie Oliveros (Gahr HS) each scoring three times. Sophomore goalkeeper Ivanna Tostado (Troy HS) turned away 10 shots on goal and added a pair of steals. Freshman Hailey Rabb (Gahr HS) led the Falcons with five steals and four assists.