Kotarche powers Cats in playoff opener

The Saddleback women's water polo team opened the 3C2A Southern California Regional Playoffs with a 16-6 victory over Crafton Hills College on Thursday at Southwestern College.  The Bobcats are one win away from advancing to the state tournament.

Saddleback is back in the regional quarterfinals for a fourth straight season after defeating Crafton Hills on Thursday.  The Bobcats will now face Santa Barbara City College in the quarterfinals on Friday with a berth in the 3C2A State Tournament hanging in the balance.

Saddleback dominated Crafton Hills from start to finish.  The Bobcats scored the first three goals of the game and led 3-0 after the opening quarter. 

Saddleback extended the lead to 6-1 midway through the second quarter after back-to-back goals from Razann Kotarche and a goal by Carlota Pereira.  Kotarche then scored two more to end the half as the Bobcats carried an 8-3 lead at the intermission.

Kotarche finished with a game-high six goals on nine shots for the game.  Her final goal gave Saddleback a 13-4 lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter as the Bobcats eventually stretched the lead to 12.

Saddleback is now 15-16 overall for the season following the win.  The Bobcats will face Santa Barbara City College in the quarterfinals at 5:30 PM on Friday at Southwestern College.