Four Returners For 2022 PCC Women's Water Polo

Lancer sophomore Mia Hernandez in action during PCC's season opener Wednesday at Long Beach City College (photo by Michael Watkins).
Lancer sophomore Mia Hernandez in action during PCC's season opener Wednesday at Long Beach City College (photo by Michael Watkins).

The 2022 Pasadena City College women's water polo team features four returning lettermen as the season opened Wednesday in a 16-1 loss at perennial South Coast Conference champion Long Beach City College.

Center Marina Schulz leads the returners after scoring 23 goals and leading the '21 squad in assists with 23. Center Mia Hernandez is back after notching 15 goals, 17 assists and making 18 steals. 

Attacker Nickey Hale had eight goals, eight assists and 17 steals while utility player Berte Montes saw limited action last season.

The freshmen crop for Coach Terry Stoddard is led by attacker Savannah Ortiz, who scored team's lone goal v. LBCC in the fourth quarter on an assist by Hernandez. From Muir High, Ortiz is expected to be a go-to scorer for head coach Terry Stoddard's squad. Stoddard is in his 23rd season directing the program.

Goalie Gloria Gray, listed at 5-foot-11 out of South Pasadena High, could be a diamond in the rough defending the cage. She made five saves against Long Beach.

Utility players Gayane Karapetyan, from Crescenta Valley High, and Jada Hee (Arcadia High) round out the Lancers roster.

On Saturday, Sept. 17, PCC plays at the Jaguar Mini Tournament at Southwestern College. PCC faces Grossmont at 10:40 a.m. and host Southwestern at 1:20 p.m.