MARGARET DIX (7) drives with the ball in action against Riverside City College in overtime in the Orange Empire Conference championships.
By Adam Stites
Sun managing editor
The Golden West women’s water polo team came painfully close to capturing their first conference title since 2003, but fell short in a 6-5 overtime loss to Riverside College.
Despite strong defensive play, particularly from goalie Taylor Morton who recorded 10 saves and allowed just six goals, the Rustlers were unable to score the goals necessary to defeat the Tigers for a second time in 2011.
Golden West defeated Riverside 7-6 in overtime during the regular season on Oct. 19, but lost to them three days later 6-5 in the Long Beach Tournament final.
Each of the five goals for the Rustlers came from a different scorer with Christina Navarro, Gabriela Cabrera, Kellie Guerin, Margaret Dix and Saibrah White all recording goals. Guerin led the team with three assists.
Riverside goalie, Andrea Antonissen, recorded 18 saves in the game including three in the overtime period.
Despite the loss, the Rustlers strong season was enough to earn the two seed and a first round bye in the Southern California Regional Championships. Their first game of the tournament will be on Friday, Nov. 11 at 5:45 p.m.
Two victories would advance GWC to the regional finals and earn them a place in the state championships, which are set to take place next week.
