The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's water polo team made an impact on the first day of its northern California tour by sweeping both ends of a doubleheader against Cal State Monterey Bay.
 
BLUES 8 CSU Monterey Bay 7
 
Showing the effects of a transcontinental flight the night before, the Blues came out flat in the opening quarter of the first game against the host Otters. The offence was ineffective producing just a single goal. However, the defence stepped up and kept the game close as Toronto fell behind just 2-1 heading into the second period.
 
The Blues then turned the tables on Monterey Bay and tied things up 3-3 by halftime.
 
In the third quarter, the Blues struck early for back-to-back goals to go up 5-3. But the visitors saw the lead vanish due to three unanswered goals from the hosts as the Otters grabbed back a 6-5 advantage entering the final frame.
 
The Blues tied things early in the fourth quarter, only to fall behind again on the ensuing Monterey Bay attack. But the Blues persisted pulling even with two minutes to go. After each team squandered power play opportunities, the Blues stormed up the pool and notched the winning goal in the 8-7 victory.
 
Freshman standout Josie Andrist paced the Blues attack with a hat-trick. Second-year attacker Devon Lynch potted a pair of goals. Fourth-year co-Captain Julia DeCaire and Vega Jones, plus rookie Lillian Wheatley with the winner added singles.
 
Fourth-year starting goalie Hana Truchla was excellent turning aside nine Otter attempts, including a penalty shot.
 
BLUES 12 CSU Monterey Bay  7
 
Two hours later both teams were back in the water for the back end of the doubleheader and it was the Blues who came out strong, building a 3-0 opening quarter lead.
 
The teams then twice traded goals leaving the Blues with a 5-2 advantage heading into halftime.
 
In the third, both offences stepped it up a notch but it was Monterey Bay that won the quarter 4-3, closing the gap to 8 -6.
 
The Blues defence stiffened in the final frame allowing just one goal while the offence produced its best quarter scoring four times leading to the 12-7 win.
 
DeCaire led the way for the Blues with a hat-trick. Andrist notched two to give her five goals on the day. Lynch also netted a pair. Fourth-year utility Chloe MacVicar, third-year Hannah Levin and first-year athletes Amy Pearce, Ava Stimson and Sarah Neal all scored once.
 
Fourth-year goalie Averi Doxtator went the distance making six saves to go along with three steals.
 

No rest for the Blues who will play two more games tomorrow (Nov. 10) against Cal State East Bay and NCAA DI Santa Clara University.