Huskies Control Rio Hondo, Get First Conference Win

by Cerwin D Haynes

East LA College Women's Water Polo has had a bevy of tough opponents so far on their schedule. While their record shows them coming up on the short end of said contests, they got a break today when they hosted winless Rio Hondo College.

The Huskies did not waste the opportunity. Leaning on balanced offense, steady defense, and clutch goalkeeping, the Pack (2-10, 1-3) secured their first conference victory of the season in controlling fashion over the Roadrunners (0-11, 0-4) 18-8. Sophomore UT Emma Dear led all scorers with five goals on six shots along with an assist. 

From the opening whistle, ELAC played with urgency. Their ball movement and drive work put pressure on the opposition's defense, and they converted on several high-value possessions. Defensively, the Huskies showed more discipline — limiting fast breaks and denying open shot angles from close range. In goal, ELAC sophomore GK Brisa Ayala stood firm in key moments, making big saves to preserve slim margins early (11 saves). The defensive front (center, utility, and perimeter defenders) helped stymie the opponent's top scorers, forcing lower-percentage shots and denying easy finishes. Rio Hondo leading scorer Emily Narvaez (14 goals on the season) was held to just two goals on the afternoon.

HUSKY BITS

• Fellow soph UT Magaly Melgar added four goals with an assist.
• Sophomore UT Isabella Medina chipping in with three goals and an assist.
• Freshmen Alanis Alvarado and Tessa Chan scored two goals apiece.

UP NEXT:

East LA will have a bit of a rarity - with back-to-back home contests, they won't need to leave campus for at least a week. Huskies will hosts Cerritos College next Wednesday, October 15 at 3pm.