Few opposing coaches will admit it, but UCLA coach Adam
Krikorian believes he knows exactly what they’re thinking. He
realizes there may be envy among other coaches of the surplus of
talent UCLA has at its disposal every time the Bruins jump in the
pool. “I’m sure all coaches are jealous,”
Krikorian said. “If I were to put myself in their shoes, I
would be, too.” The top-ranked Bruins (20-0, 5-0 Mountain
Pacific Sports Federation) showcased just how much talent they have
on their team in a dominating 12-5 non-conference victory over No.
7 Loyola Marymount on Thursday at Sunset Canyon Recreation Center.
All season long it has been apparent that the Bruins have a deep
bench. After sophomore driver Molly Cahill picked up two ejections
early in the first quarter, freshman Jillian Kraus entered the game
and scored twice by the end of the opening period to give the
Bruins a commanding 5-1 lead. “Everyone on this team can
sub-in for anyone, and people are aware of that and have to prepare
for that,” Kraus said. With the help of Kraus and junior
Thalia Munro, UCLA opened up an 11-1 advantage midway through the
third period. Munro finished with four goals, tying the most goals
a Bruin has recorded in a single game this season. As the
Bruins’ second leading goal scorer this season with 31 goals,
Munro credited her teammates, including the reserves on
UCLA’s roster, with providing her with solid passes that led
to scoring opportunities. “It was all about the passes my
teammates gave me,” Munro said. “They gave me perfect
passes.”
INJURIES STACKING UP: Junior center defender Amber Stachowski
will not return this season due to a concussion she suffered in
practice in the beginning of the season. After being academically
ineligible in winter quarter, the 2004 Olympian was slated to
return in the spring, but her condition has not improved.
Stachowski has had ongoing concussion problems stemming from a car
accident she was in two years ago. “I don’t think
she’s ever recovered from her previous concussions,”
Krikorian said. “What’s most important for her right
now is to take time and get healthy. “Concussions are a scary
thing. You’re dealing with your mental health for the rest of
your life, which is a hell of a lot more important than (a) water
polo game.” Aside from Stachowski, three other members of the
women’s team are sidelined. Junior driver Lauren Heineck, who
suffered a concussion a week ago in practice, was the most recent
to get hurt and will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. Heineck
joins junior goalie Tahlia Kerr and sophomore driver Jenna Murphy
on the injured list.
DOMANIC RETURNS: In her first game back following her four-game
suspension for comments made about USC player Brittany Hayes,
freshman Gabrielle Domanic scored two goals and tallied one assist.
Though supportive of her teammate, Munro emphasized the fact that
Domanic’s comments should not be thought of as a direct
reflection of the UCLA team. “I hope people will understand
it’s (her own) personal statement and not to associate it
with the team,” Munro said.
With reports from Bryan Chu, Bruin Sports senior
staff.