Tuesday, April 7, 1998
Bruins relax with six wins over spring break
RECAP: Despite very little practice, team ‘survives’ recent
matches
By Steve Kim
Daily Bruin Staff
The UCLA women’s water polo team members may not have had the
ideal spring break, lounging and partying under sunny rays of an
exotic tropical beach, but they aren’t complaining with the six
wins they had in two weeks.
It wasn’t all work, though. In fact, considering what little
practice they had during spring break, the Bruins have managed to
play more than sufficiently.
For one, they beat UC Santa Barbara 12-1 the Friday of finals
week.
"The Santa Barbara game was pure survival," said UCLA head coach
Guy Baker. "It was after the finals so we had no practice.
Everybody was on a caffeine/popcorn diet. We just went up there and
played."
If 12-1 is considered mere "survival," then one would wonder how
they would do under thriving conditions.
And check out their 24-0 win against Long Beach State, 18-5 game
against University of the Pacific and 10-3 victory against UCSD.
Scores tell all. There was no contest for this No. 1 ranked
team.
San Diego State, however, did give the Bruins a run for their
money. The Aztecs were purely a physical team, offering a whole lot
of fouls and locks. UCLA beat SDSU 7-4, but not without some effort
by players like Catherine von Schwarz who stood up to the
opponent’s tough physical challenges.
"It was the most physical game I’d seen – even more so than many
of the men’s games," recalled Baker. "Catherine was amazing. She,
Robin Beauregard and Katie Tenenbaum really came through for the
team."
The biggest game of them all, the home game against rival Cal,
happened right before finals week when the Bruins had consistent
practice and ample preparation.
The Golden Bears were the only team that previously beat the
Bruins this season, scarring their perfect record. There was a lot
at stake in this game, among which was pride.
To the Bears’ dismay the Bruins charged with a bang and didn’t
let down until finish.
Von Schwarz scored two goals while freshman Beauregard chipped
in quick and devastating three. And the Bruin defense was strong as
usual.
"We played very good defense especially since they scored their
third and last goal in the third quarter," Baker said.
The player of the game was junior Coralie Simmons. Her three
goals were tossed with flair and showmanship, not to mention
accuracy. But her performance was only reflective of the whole
team’s intense efforts.
"It was the best game I’ve seen all season. From beginning ’till
the end we got better as each quarter went on," Baker said.
The Bruins concluded the rivalry with a 10-3 victory.
And as for the rest of the break, it was smooth sailing even
without their usual preparation.
"Given the lack of practice, we did well," said UCLA assistant
coach Adam Krikorian. "Obviously we didn’t lose, so that’s always a
good thing."
Spring break success hasn’t kept some Bruins from longing for
the past. In fact, Baker is more content now that the team is back
in full swing for spring.
"From a coach’s point of view, spring break is not a fun time,"
Baker said. "We haven’t been on a consistent practice schedule for
a couple of weeks now. At least the coaches are happy to be back in
school."
There are only five weeks left in the women’s water polo season,
and the Bruins are getting ready for the finale – the national
championship. As back-to-back national champions, the Bruins are
looking for a three-peat. After such a successful midseason period,
that possibility is becoming very real.
Baker stresses the team has yet to reach its potential, so more
grueling practice sessions are on the way in order to reach top
form. But after defeating its biggest threats, Cal and Stanford,
UCLA’s road to the championship looks a lot less bumpy.Mary
Ciecek
Senior Nicole Payne defends the Bruin goal against a Stanford
shot.