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The Lancers water polo team could not overcome a slow start against visiting South Coast rivals El Camino College and wound up losing 15-4 in a rout.

The Lancers were only able to manage one shot attempt in the first four minutes of play. Despite Mariana Silva’s early steal that gave the Lancers a defensive push early in the first quarter, the offense could not capitalize.

The Warriors defense proved to be superior, recording three early steals that would lead to three fast break goals for the Warriors (6-7, 3-3).

Despite the early 0-5 deficit after the first quarter, head coach Terry Stoddard continued to motivate his injury-plagued team. Though the Lancers carry a 2-15 record, Stoddard sees the growth and improvements in his young team.

“This team is so much better than we were in the beginning of the season,” Stoddard added. “Each girl has gotten better as the season has progressed. It’s kind of hard dealing with injuries, but the ladies’ health is most important.”

In the second quarter, the Lancers looked much improved on both ends of the pool. Freshman center-forward Caroline Liu came within feet from scoring as two of her shots hit the crossbar.

Although the Lancers allowed eight goals in the first half, freshman goalie Alenoush Aslanin remained poised and didn’t give up, recording seven saves to help keep the Lancers within striking distance.

“I just try to stay positive for the team,” Aslanin said. “My job is to keep the team positive and motivate them to continue to play hard. Our goal is to improve every game and that’s our main focus.”

In the second half, the Lancers got off to another slow start after allowing two goals within the first two minutes of play.

After a missed shot by freshman center-forward Stephanie Velasco with 6:10 remaining in the third quarter, the Lancers team seemed to pick up their intensity.

“In the beginning we started off slow,” Velasco said. “Our defense continues to improve, but our speed is what gets us. We have to work on that.”

After another timely save by Aslanin, the Lancers’ first goal came with 4:44 remaining in the third quarter from Velasco.

Velasco would go on to lead the Lancers in scoring with three goals and sophomore utility player Mariana Silva added one goal to go along with two assists.

The Lancers water polo team looks to redeem themselves Wednesday as they host Mt. San Antonio College at 3 p.m. at the PCC Aquatic Center.

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