Fielding a team of underclassmen, the San Marcos girls water polo team took The Bishop’s School into overtime before falling 12-8 in the CIF Southern California Championships on Friday in Orange County.
The Bishop’s is the CIF San Diego Section Open Division champion. San Marcos was the fourth-place team from Division 1 of the Southern Section.
Junior Caroline Cortouis led the Royals with three goals, including the goal that forced overtime. Freshman Regan McEachen drew three penalty shots and junior goalie Zosia Amberger had nine saves, including a stop on a penalty shot.
The score was tied 4-4 at halftime.
The Royals trailed by two with about 1:40 to go in the fourth quarter.
“We ran a special play to bring the score within a goal and we pulled our goalie to put pressure on the other team and scored off of a steal and counter,” said coach Chuckie Roth. “Going into overtime, a series of unfortunate events resulted in our loss. Once down by two goals we had to take some defensive risks that did not end in our favor.”
The Royals finish the season at 22-7.
“I was extremely proud of how we played and our team gained a tremendous amount of confidence,” Roth said. “This closes the book on a great season. I had such a positive experience coaching this group. They are great kids in the class room and in the pool.”