Bloody jitters trouble w. water polo

Bloody jitters trouble w. water polo

Nerves get the best of Bruins in 11-6 loss to British team

By Emmanuelle Ejercito

The UCLA women’s water polo team battled hard at Men’s Gym Pool
yesterday, but the English National Team prevailed 11-6.

Down 4-0 after the first quarter, the Bruins trailed throughout
the game. Poor passing, the inability to score in 6-on-5
situations, and butterflies caused by facing a more experienced
team led to UCLA’s downfall. However, UCLA head coach Guy Baker was
encouraged by the home team’s tenacity through the last three
quarters, when it was only outscored by one.

"We were very nervous and jittery (in the first quarter)," Baker
said. "But after that we settled down and were fine the rest of the
way. I feel really happy about it. We’ve made a lot of progress.
It’s the first time I think we were playing well as a team."

Despite the loss there were several bright spots. A fierce team
defense and outstanding blocks by goalkeeper Nicolle Payne
impressed the visitors.

"(UCLA’s) goalkeeper was exceptional," English head coach Jim
Caulfield said. "She made some very good saves. UCLA worked very
hard, they didn’t give in. They fought back very hard and did very
well."

Baker hopes that the team’s drive will carry over to today’s 3
p.m. home match against USC.

"I hope that we come out with the same intensity, the same
concentration that we had (yesterday) especially in the second
through fourth quarters," Baker said. "Then we’ll be in good
shape."

Earlier this season, UCLA defeated USC 10-2.

"I’m sure (USC) has improved," Baker said. "I know we’ve
improved. The rivalry always brings out the best in everybody, so
both teams will come out and play hard."

Trojan head coach Jovan Vavic knows that Payne will be hard to
score against.