Hancock Water Polo Drops Historic Home Game 17-11 to Cuesta

(Santa Maria, CA) Despite outscoring the visiting Cougars 9-6 in the second half, the Allan Hancock College women's water polo team dropped a Western State Conference game 17-11 to Cuesta in the Bulldogs' first home game in school history on Wednesday. The Bulldogs dropped to 0-3 in conference and 1-4 overall. Cuesta improved to 3-1 in conference and 15-2 overall.

Cuesta stormed out of the gates and built a 6-1 lead after the first quarter, and an 11-2 advantage at halftime.  The Bulldogs looked better on both ends of the pool in the second half at the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center. Hancock outscored the Cougars 7-4 in the third quarter to inch closer.  Both teams scored two goals in the final eight minutes.

Freshman Rebecca Gonzalez, a Nipomo High School graduate, led the Bulldogs with four goals. Bianca McNeil, a Santa Maria High School alumnus, added three goals. Righetti graduate Nikki Gurgiolo added two scores, while Pioneer Valley High School graduate Nayeli Martinez Campos and Santa Maria High School alumnus Caija McNeil each scored once for the Bulldogs.

Cuesta's top scorer was freshman Isabella Manuele. The Arroyo Grande High School graduate scored six goals, including four in the second quarter.

The Bulldogs return to action next Wednesday, October 7, at 3:30 p.m. during a conference game at Citrus College.