Cuesta Women's Water Polo opened the 2023 campaign against fellow CCCAA Playoff team Golden West.  The Cougars drew first blood when Freshman Sydney Gills scored in the opening minute of the game, however the visiting Rustlers scored the next four goals to take the lead.  Cuesta's All State Driver Chloe Porter cut the lead to two with her first of her three goals of the day, however Golden West's Bella Schulze went on a tear with three goals of her own over the 90 seconds of the half to give the visitors a 7-2 lead going into the intermission.  Cuesta was unable to pull within four goals of the Rustlers in the third quarter, but, eventually, dropped their debut, 12-7.  Porter's 'Hat Trick' led the Cougars' quintet of scorers, while Freshman Goaltender Aubrie Kirkby Tatro shined in her debut with seven saves in the cage.  Porter, who is one of three returning Cuesta starters, boosted her career scoring total to 82 goals, which ties her for 19th all time at Cuesta.  

Cuesta's Central Coast Tournament opens tomorrow and will run through Saturday with nine teams competing in 17 games.  The Cougars are schedule to play fellow 2022 playoff teams West Valley (3 PM), who finished 3rd at the 2022 CCCAA State Championships, and Diablo Valley in the morning game (10:20).  They also face defending 2022 CCCAA State Champion Santa Barbara City (10:30 AM) on Saturday, before closing the weekend against Fresno City (3:10)