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The Lancers water polo team lost to both Ventura (5-14) and San Diego Miramar College (6-8) on Oct. 28 in the Pasadena Mini Tournament, which was also the last home game this season. The loss comes as the team is preparing for the South Coast Conference Tournament, which will take place Nov. 3 and Nov. 4.

“We came out slow, we expected a lot from Ventura,” said Coach Terry Stoddard after the loss to Ventura. “The girls were hesitant to run their offense and defense. The defense was OK but the offense didn’t click at all. It is very unlike us to let the fourth quarter get away.”

Makenzie Blank led the team, scoring four of the five goals all within the third quarter with an assist by Shelby Gregg, who also scored the first goal of the game.

Though the teams communicated well in their other matches, the game against Miramar was full of tension that at times ended in injury.

In the third quarter, the game was paused when a player was hit in the eye, and

Freshman Paloma Barerra also reported an injury after the game.

“I got bit by a person,” exclaimed Barerra, who asked for ice and antiseptic.

PCC and Miramar struggled to make shots, and there were a number of fouls around both goals.

The teams were forced to pass back before attempting another shot, and this resulted in very pass-heavy play around the five-meter line.

The teams were tied at 1-1 until the second half, in which Gregg replaced Naomi Padilla in goal.

Blank played a key offensive role and scored half of the Lancers’ goals.

Paloma Barrera scored one goal and Taylor Guidera scored two goals, one of which was the final goal against Miramar, bringing the score to 6-8.

“I give credit to both teams. [Miramar] brought their best game today and we didn’t.

We were evenly matched but today Miramar was better,” said Stoddard. “We’ve got some work to do to get ready for next week.”

Before the game, a Sophomore Tribute was made to Rebecca Iraheta who was given roses and a photograph by Stoddard.

Iraheta plans to attend the University of California, Santa Barbara.

“I’m really going to miss my team. I’m really proud of them,” said Iraheta. “This year our team was more of a friendship … this was a wonderful last home game.”

The tournament, which was hosted at PCC Aquatic Center, consisted of a series of five matches between Santa Monica, Miramar, Ventura, Citrus and PCC.

This leaves the Lancers with a 10-15 record overall leading into the South Coast Conference Tournament.

The Tournament will take place Nov. 3 and Nov. 4 at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut.

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