2014 PCC Preview: Women’s Water Polo In Transition

The Pasadena City College women's water polo team will try to mix in key sophomore returners with a a few top-flight freshmen as the Lancers start the 2014 season. PCC head coach Terry Stoddard, in his 16th season, directs an 11-player roster.

PCC returns last season's top goal scorer and steals leader in All-South Coast Conference First Team selection Stephanie Velasco, named this year's team captain. A center-forward, Velasco scored 63 goals and made 58 steals in 2013. Caroline Liu, the Lancers' second-leading goal scorer with 35 and also a center-forward, returns as well to the squad as does regular goalie Alenoush Aslanin (129 saves). Lisa Munoz is a letterman too, but the utility player is back after last playing on the 2010 Lancers.

"The corps of our top performers return from last season so players like Stephanie, Caroline and Alenoush are going to give us some leadership in the pool," Stoddard said. "Lisa is a veteran player who will also add to our experienced group."

The team's freshmen crop is led by Ariahn Givens, a league and school all-sports MVP at Venice High. Givens scored 68 goals, dished out 48 assists and made 74 steals for the Gondoliers, who won the Coastal League title and made it to the CIF Los Angeles City Section semifinals. 

"Ariahn is a special talent who will add speed to our overall game," Stoddard said. "Her speed and quickness are going to help us on our drives, in our transition, and on counter attack. She's a tremendous 2-meter defender who can make field blocks with her long arms, but she's also a really talented offensive player."

Megan Mora (Cajon High, San Bernardino) and utility player Sharon Perez (Pete Knight High, Palmdale) are two other freshmen who have cracked the starting lineup. Stoddard said that both players are capable of making contributions and "fit well" in the team's scheme. The rest of the Lancers' newcomers are Erica Sanchez (Montebello), Melissa Arauz-Hernandez (Bell), Tulasi Hilder-Manahan (Crescenta Valley HS), and Vanessa Natividad (La Serna). All four players play the driver position.

LANCERS LOSE SCC OPENER v. EAST LA, 16-10

On Wednesday, the Lancers fell behind 9-1 by halftime, then rifled the net for nine second-half goals in a 16-10 loss at East Los Angeles College. It was the South Coast Conference opening match for both teams.

Liu recorded the 3-goal hat trick while Velasco, Munoz, and Mora each scored two goals. Givens scored her first collegiate goal in the fourth quarter and distinguished herself on defense with five steals and three field blocks. PCC scored four times on the power play.

For ELAC, Brandy Macias scored seven goals as the Huskies outshot PCC, 33-23.

PCC next plays on Wednesday, Sept. 17 as it hosts Los Angeles Trade Tech College in a 3 p.m. SCC game. 

The rest of the Lancers' 2014 schedule is at the following link:

http://www.pasadena.edu/athletics/schedule.cfm?dept=wwaterpolo

Release Date: 09/11/14
Robert Lewis, Sports Information
Phone: 626-585-7018, Email: rmlewis@pasadena.edu

Fall Sports