CLAREMONT, Calif. – Pomona-Pitzer defeated #7 seed Marist 8-7 on Sunday to cap a successful 2008 season in which they captured their second consecutive SCIAC title, and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the second time.
Competing in a field that includes NCAA champion UCLA (33-0), Stanford (27-5), and USC (21-8), the Sagehen's finished 7th. After falling to eventual champion UCLA, 19-6 the Hen's fell to San Diego State 11-4, but ended the tournament on a high note with a 8-7 win over Marist on the final day.
Coach Alex Rodriguez summarized the season and the experience of competing in such a competitive field.
"The schools that I represent, with academics being first and foremost, I think the tournament really motivates the girls to participate and train hard. I know last year they loved being here and watching the finals, and their number one goal was playing here and being in this environment. It's a really special thing for these girls. I believe we played well this weekend, we gave UCLA a good run and tried to play as best as we can. The girls never gave up this whole weekend. Marist is more our level and we did what it took to win, and I think we're all pretty happy."
