Staff Writer
Photos by Matt Scholtz
Freshman Hayden Carlson led the varsity girls’ water polo team to a 7-3 victory over the rival San Marino Titans on Tuesday, January 27. The win is the Tigers’ first in league, and opened up rivalry week well for South Pas athletics.
The Tigers came out strong in the first quarter, led defensively by senior goalkeeper Clarque De Young. De Young’s four saves held the Titans’ offense to no goals, and sophomore Britney Jarjour and senior Kaitlin Mason each fired one in. Carlson notched a goal to close the period with the Tigers on top 3-0. Four more De Young saves in the second quarter held San Marino to no points, and the half drew to a close, South Pas still up 3-0.
Sophomore Skyler Ramirez replaced De Young in the goal, and Carlson started the second half powering one in. The Titans retaliated with their first goal, but Carlson came right back to fire another in. Mason followed her lead, scoring one, and San Marino closed the quarter with another shot. Ramirez’s save kept the Titans at bay, however, and the Tigers remained ahead 6-2.
San Marino attempted a comeback in the final quarter, firing in one to start the period, but Carlson quickly came back to push one by them. Ramirez continued to stop the Titans’s offense and the game closed for the Tigers’ second league win.
The win brings the squad’s Rio Hondo record to 1-3, and they hope to get back on top of their record within the next few games.
“For our Thursday game I expect for our team to work together and as hard as we did today so we can win.” Jarjour said. “Our team has definitely grown and we’ve all accomplished so much that I believe the rest of our season will be a success.”
The Tigers travel to Temple City on Thursday, January 29 to take on the Rams.