It doesn't show on the scoreboard or in the goals allowed numbers, but there is no question who is the best player in the pool on the Pasadena City College women's water polo team. Freshman goalie Natalie Wassall has already exhibited in four games that she is as acrobatic and athletic as any goalkeeper ever at PCC.
During the Lancers' 17-8 home loss v. Cerritos College on Wednesday, Wassall made 15 saves, including double digits in preventing sure Falcons goals on 1-on-1 situations. She added a team-high four steals for PCC (1-3, 0-2 in South Coast Conference play). The 5-foot-9 Arcadia High product has made 45 saves and a team-high 11 steals overall and is averaging more than 11 blocks per game. Wassall has 27 saves in her two conference contests.
"Natalie is extremely gifted as a water polo player," said PCC head coach Terry Stoddard. "She would be a great player for us in the field, but we absolutely have to have her play goalie. What she does is she challenges attackers to beat her and often she just gives shooters fits because of that competitive edge. She also can pass and allows our offense a quicker transition after opposing attacks."
Offensively against Cerritos, Fernanda Alvarez scored three goals and had one assist while Yesenia Marin also netted three goals. Sabrina Ramos added two goals and an assist and Jemima Villareal tallied two assists. Carolina Medrano scored five goals to lead the Falcons (6-4, 2-0 in SCC games).
Due to injuries, the Lancers have decided to cancel their intended trip to Northern California to play in this weekend's annual Cabrillo Bockman Tournament.
PCC returns to SCC action on Wednesday, Sept. 26 when it hosts Mt. San Antonio in a 3 p.m. game at the Aquatic Center.
