Cuesta Women's Water Polo is hosting its invitational this weekend with some of the top teams in the State.  The Cougars faced a pair of fellow 2024 playoff teams, Modesto and Saddleback, to open their tournament today.  Cuesta made short work of both rivals by beating Modesto, 17-8, and knocking off Saddleback, 16-10.  Freshman Mia Quintana led the Cougars with four goals in their tournament-opening win against Modesto, while four players achieved a "hat trick" in the win over Saddleback, including a game-high five goals from returning all-WSC Driver Amelia Braun.  Braun led the Cougars with seven goals on the day, while fellow all-WSC Returner Annika Pauschek joined Newcomer Addison Thomas with six tallies each.  The twin victories moved the Cougars' overall record to 5-2 on the season.

Cuesta's Central Coast Invitational continues tomorrow with a full slate of games starting at 7 AM.  The Cougars shall get a little extra rest tomorrow and will not play their first game until 8:10 AM, when they go against Golden West.  The visiting Rustlers are one of the State's top programs and owns a state leading eight State Titles over its history.  Cuesta's final game of the weekend shall be versus Orange Coast (11:40).  The teams at this year's Central Coast Women's Water Polo Tournament boast a combined 22 state titles over the past 27 seasons.