By Kevin Park
Staff Writer
South Pasadena varsity girls’ water polo team overpowered the Polytechnic Panthers at home on Tuesday, December 1, in a blowout win that finished with a score of 13-3.
The Tigers got off to a great start on defense. They continuously pressured Poly’s offense, forcing multiple turnovers and bad shots. Offensively, the boys struggled to score early on, but sophomore Hayden Carlson and freshman Sydney Shettleroe eventually found the back of the net, giving the Tigers a 2-0 lead. Poly scored one in the last minute of the first quarter to put the lead at 2-1.
In the second quarter, the Tigers came out aggressive and dominated the scoreboard. The girls started to heat up, passing the ball efficiently and scoring three straight goals. However, Poly was able to sneak another goal, cutting the lead to 5-2. As one minute of the first half remained, senior Savanna Pierce and freshman Jael Osborne were each left open and both stiked the net, increasing the lead to 7-2.
The second half began much like the first, in that the Tiger’s defense shut down Poly’s offensive attempts. The Tiger’s goal marathon was ignited with another Shettleroe goal. Bad defense by the Panthers set up the Tigers with easier shots at goal. Pierce and Osborne both scored on Poly turnovers and Junior Brittany Jarjour scored on a fastbreak with an impressive lob over the Panthers goalie extending the lead to 11-2.
Poly scored its final goal with a powerful strike from far out the goal, cutting the lead to 11-3. The girls closed out the game with two more goals from Pierce and Carlson with a final score of 13-2.
“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be and we played with unity. We had great communication but failed to take risks. But, overall, a great first game.” senior Melody Gray said.
The team had a great offensive showing in its first preseason game starting the season strong with a 1-0 record.
