Carpinteria High girls water polo erupted for a 20-12 Citrus Coast League victory over Santa Paula on Thursday at the Carpinteria Aquatics Center.
The Warriors had complete control of the game in the opening half, taking a strong halftime lead thanks to eight combined goals from Madison Lee, Hazel Dugre and Holliday Smith.
Santa Paula chipped away at the Carpinteria lead in the third quarter, but goalie Gwen Postma and the rest of the Warrior defense held strong in the fourth to pull out the win.
“What stood out most in the first half was our communication in front-court defense,” Carpinteria High head coach Russell Russo said. “We found good timing to step into passing lanes and make them drop the ball which led directly to counterattack goals.
“I was proud of the team’s collective effort, and more importantly, how cohesive they were as a unit.”
The Warriors will compete in the Santa Barbara Friendlies Tournament in Ventura this weekend.
Buena 9, Santa Barbara High 8
The Dons’ comeback effort came up just short in a loss to the Bulldogs on Thursday.
Buena led 3-1 after the first quarter and held a 9-6 advantage heading into the final quarter. Led by Luna Mornacey on both ends of the pool, Santa Barbara High made a push in the fourth but came up one goal short in the loss.
Morancey led the Dons with three goals, while both Jules Horton and Violette Bailey scored twice. Meanwhile, Horton earned four exclusions and Bailey picked up a pair.
Santa Barbara High (17-5) will be on the road against Ventura on Tuesday at 3:15 p.m.