Thursday, September 4th, 2008

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<p>Junior driver Thalia Munro tallied four goals in the 12-5 win
over Loyola Marymount on Thursday.

Junior driver Thalia Munro tallied four goals in the 12-5 win over Loyola Marymount on Thursday.

W. polo: Domination of LMU demonstrates UCLA’s jealousy-inspiring talent

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.