(SEASIDE, Calif., Mar. 11) – The McKendree University women's water polo team dropped the opening game of its California trip with a 17-10 loss to California State Monterey Bay on Wednesday night. Freshman Lindy Justice (Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada/Vimy Ridge Academy) and senior Brianna Mullalley (Chula Vista, CA/Eastlake High School) led the way with three goals apiece in the contest.
 
The Bearcats fall to 4-10 overall on the season. McKendree will continue action on Thursday against Cal State East Bay.
 
McKendree held a consistent offense in the first half, netting two scores in each period. The Otters scored eight goals in the half to hold a 8-4 lead heading into halftime. Mullalley scored two, while junior Emily Westlove (Naperville, IL/Naperville Central High School) and Justice netted the others.
 
In the third period, the Bearcat offense was held in check, scoring just one goal scored by Mullalley, her third of the contest. McKendree's attack found a groove in the final period, outscoring Monterey Bay 4-2. Justice and sophomore Danielle Borelli (Laguna Beach, CA/Laguna Beach High School) each found the back of the cage twice in the period.
 
Freshman Katelyn Rodrigue (Brentwood, CA/Heritage High School) found the back of the cage once, as McKendree was defeated by Cal State Monterey Bay 17-10.
 
In the cage, sophomore goalie Isabella Strimling (Brentwood, CA/Heritage High School) made seven saves and counted one steal.