TEMPE, Ariz.--The Bakersfield water polo team opened the Arizona State Tournament with a 19-9 victory over Occidental Friday night.

Kristen Jensen (Fr., Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Los Osos HS) led the 'Runners with four goals, four assists, and three steals. Janelle Shelby (Jr., San Diego, Calif., Grossmont HS) had three goals. Two other players, NIki De Leon (So., Montebello, Calif., Montebello HS) and Katie Benson (Fr., La Crescenta, Calif., Crescenta Valley HS) had hat tricks. Benson made three steals while De Leon had three assists. Courtney Wahlstrom (Fr., Palm Desert, Calif., Palm Desert HS) made 12 saves.

"Our defense was fantastic in the first quarter and that led to some high percentage offensive possessions," said Bakersfield head coach Jason Gall. "All 12 of our players need to play with that focus and intensity for four quarters."

The tournament continues Saturday with an MPSF match against the host, No. 5 Arizona State at 12:30 p.m. and Azusa Pacific at 5 p.m.

~www.GoRunners.com~

Bakersfield     8 3 4 4    19

Occidental     0 3 5 1     9