By Olivia Nouriani
Staff Writer
Photos by Raj Jain
Girls’ water polo came out on top of the La Cañada Spartans 8-7 in an impressive fourth-quarter comeback on Tuesday afternoon, bringing their league record to 2-3.
The squad fell behind quickly in the first quarter, despite three saves by senior goalkeeper Clarque De Young. The Tigers could not fight back offensively, and the period ended South Pas down 3-0.
Senior Kaitlin Mason, however, quickly gained control of the Tiger offense. Mason powered in one in the second quarter, and De Young managed to hold off La Cañada with three more saves. The half closed with the Tigers behind 3-1, but Mason’s shot sparked hope for a comeback for the team.
Mason shot in another to start the third quarter. Freshman Sumi Rudisky and sophomore Britney Jarjour followed her lead, each firing in one. Sophomore Skyler Ramirez replaced De Young in the goal and racked up three saves, but allowed the Spartans to score two. However, the Tigers were quickly catching up to the Spartans and the quarter ended with La Cañada only up 5-4.
The Tiger offense united to seal in the win in the final period. Jarjour, Carlson, and Mason each shot in one more. Ramirez and De Young split time in the goal, Ramirez starting the quarter with a save, but allowing one La Cañada goal. De Young replaced Ramirez, allowing one shot in but racking up an impressive five saves to keep the score tied up 7-7. With one minute left in the final quarter, junior Devun Burt fired a shot just out of the Spartan goalie’s reach, securing a victory for the Tigers.
The Tigers take on Monrovia at home on February 10, looking to secure another win to balance their Rio Hondo record.
