San Marcos girls water polo faltered late in a 13-11 loss to a strong Newport Harbor program on Friday at Elings Aquatic Center in Goleta.
The Royals’ defense shined early, holding Newport scoreless in the first while the offense opened up with three goals to take a 3-0 lead into the second.
Newport then found a bit of groove and chipped away at the lead until San Marcos clung to a 5-4 advantage at halftime.
The Sailors really caught fire in the third quarter, outscoring the Royals 5-1 en route to a strong 9-6 lead with just one quarter to play.
San Marcos fought back with five goals in the final period, but Newport fended off the comeback effort and held on for the non-league win.
Bethany King led the Royals with four goals, including two in the fourth quarter. King also played some quarters at goalie for San Marcos.
Meanwhile, Charlotte Raisin netted three goals and Jade Pattison, McKenna Stuart and Sophie Yonker all scored once.
“I was really proud of the way our girls played tonight,” San Marcos head coach Chuckie Roth said. “Bethany King was amazing in the goal and in the field. Charlotte Raisin played a phenomenal game, scoring several goals under pressure. Sophomore McKenna Stuart had a big presence in front of the goal.
“I’m proud of my team’s resiliency. Playing without a true goalie is unheard of. I’m proud of our adaptability and desire to improve as a unit.”
The Royals will take on Marlborough on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at Elings Aquatic Center.
Santa Barbara High @ Newbury Park Tournament
The Dons swept their doubleheader at the Newbury Park Tournament on Friday, defeating Westlake by a score of 17-4 before taking down Rio Mesa, 16-9.
Jules Horton stuffed the stat sheet with five goals, three assists and three steals in the win over Westlake. Meanwhile, Luna Morancey tallied four goals and two assists and both Rose Nelley and Yesenia Dunn dished out three assists.
Kana Wolfe led the Dons with three goals against Rio Mesa, while Nala Rosen, Violette Bailey and Hope Smith all scored twice.
Santa Barbara High (8-1) will take on Carpinteria High and Mira Costa on Saturday.
Dos Pueblos 11, Marlborough 8
The Chargers pulled away late for a non-league win over Marlborough on Friday at Elings Aquatic Center.
After Dos Pueblos held a 5-2 halftime lead, the Mustangs battled back and tied the game at 6-6 with one quarter to play.
The Chargers, led by the trio of Lucy Watson, Dev Wigo and Tahlia Marshall, then erupted for five goals in the fourth to secure the victory.
Wigo scored a team-high five goals and tallied four assists for Dos Pueblos, while goalie Reagan Mack collected nine saves and dished out strong transition passes.
The Chargers (2-0) will compete in the Villa Park Tournament next weekend.