Carpinteria fell behind early against a hot-shooting Newbury Park team and couldn’t make up the difference in the CIF-SS Division 2 first-round boys water polo playoff game, falling 15-11 to the Panthers on Tuesday at the Carpinteria Community Pool.
The Warriors, Divison 5 champions last season, finish the season with a 15-9 record.
“Newbury Park came in hot with four unanswered goals in the first three minutes of the game,” said Carpinteria coach Stephen Kim. “With quick adjustment, the Warriors closed the gap at the end of the first quarter to 5-4.”
Carpinteria trailed by one at the end of the second quarter but couldn’t overtake the Panthers, (15-9), the No. 3 team from the Marmonte League.
Justin Main led the Citrus Coast League champions with five goals, while Asher Smith scored three goals, all on penalty shots that he drew.
“Asher was double and triple teamed throughout the game,” said Kim.
Aiden Alcaraz had two goals and freshman Jake Ehlers added one.
Goalie Jacob Taff kept Carpinteria in the game with his solid play. He finished with 11 saves.
“I am very proud of this young team. We made great improvements throughout the season and I couldn’t have asked for more,” said Kim.