Pressure on: Captain No 8. Emily Fitzgerald ’25 looks to pass to her teammate while UC Davis tries to block, during the Women's Water Polo game on Sunday, April 14 at the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center. / Photo by Rebecca Harper
Women’s Water Polo Season Closes with a Win Against UC Davis
The Gaels celebrated their one and only senior while hosting the Aggies in the final match of the 2023–24 water polo season.
The Saint Mary’s Gaels finiushed the 2023–24 water polo season with a splash. At the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center on Sunday, April 14, they celebrated their one and only senior while hosting UC Davis in the final match, and with a big second half SMC secured a 9–7 come-from-behind victory.
It was a special game for more reaons than one: Along with this being an opportunity to celebrate the final regular season match for senior Kendall Zogg ’24, this was also the only home game of the season. Fans on hand to cheer on the Gaels included parents, friends, and classmates.
The Aggies came out with a quick start during the first half of the game, leading six points to SMC’s single goal, scored by Tori Navarro ‘25. But with continued tight defense by the Gaels and blocked shots by goalie Grace Dowling ’26, it did not take long for the Gaels to begin closing the gap.
The second half belonged to the Gaels, and that made all the difference. Saint Mary’s outscored the Aggies 7–1, to rack up a final score of 9–7 Saint Mary's.
Senior and utility player Kendall Zogg stepped into high gear with four goals against UC Davis. Her speed and agility down the pool, along with her teammates assisting in passes to her, brought the Gaels back into the game.
“My journey playing water polo at SMC was all because of our great student leaders who keep us together. This year was amazing—and I will miss my teammates.
– Kendall Zogg ’24
“I did not do this alone, it was a team effort,” Zogg said. “My teammates played amazing, and I am so proud of them. My journey playing water polo at SMC was all because of our great student leaders who keep us together. This year was amazing—and I will miss my teammates.”
With the win over UC Davis, the Gaels closed out the 2023–24 season with a winning record of 10–2. Building on the successes of this year, they’re looking forward to bringing the program to top level competition in the Collegiate Water Polo Association.
Story updated April 15, 2024 at 7:30 a.m.
