San Marcos Girls Water Polo Claims Fifth Straight League Title

The San Marcos girls water polo team secured its fifth consecutive Channel League title with a commanding 18-6 victory over Dos Pueblos on March 15, 2024, at Elings Aquatic Center. The Royals dominated throughout the season, finishing undefeated against league opponents and showcasing their strength with back-to-back wins over rivals Santa Barbara High and Dos Pueblos.

Head coach Chuckie Roth expressed pride in the team’s progress, stating, “It’s a great group… I’m really proud of how much we’ve improved.” He acknowledged the challenges faced earlier in the season but emphasized the commitment each player demonstrated to develop as a cohesive unit. Roth, who will step down after this season, has guided the team to six league titles in the last seven years and ten championships since 2014.

The Royals established control from the outset, with Sophie Yonker assisting Jade Pattison for the first goal just moments into the game, setting the tone for the match. The team quickly built a 4-0 lead, aided by additional goals from Pattison, Lily Bordofsky, and Charlotte Raisin. Despite a goal from Dos Pueblos’ Kyra Jones, San Marcos closed the quarter with a 7-1 advantage.

Raisin and Pattison were standout performers, with Raisin scoring a game-high eight goals and Pattison contributing four. Bordofsky’s two goals and her defensive efforts were crucial to the team’s success. Roth praised Raisin’s keen understanding of the game, noting, “Charlotte’s got a great knack for the game… she sees little things that can create big opportunities.” He also highlighted Bordofsky’s selflessness and defensive skills, which often go unnoticed.

The match shifted into a defensive struggle during the second quarter, with only three goals scored. After Talia Marshall of Dos Pueblos found the net, Raisin responded with two goals, bringing the halftime score to 9-2 in favor of San Marcos. The Royals’ defense, led by Bethany King, who made eight saves in the first half, effectively stifled Dos Pueblos’ attempts to close the gap. Roth remarked on King’s contributions, stating, “[King] is a student of the game… she’s very athletic and the most unselfish player in the world.”

The third quarter saw San Marcos extend their lead further, with Raisin scoring three more goals and contributions from McKenna Stuart, Ella Grube, and Pattison. By the end of the quarter, the Royals were ahead 15-4. Both teams made substitutions in the final quarter as San Marcos cruised to an 18-6 victory.

As the Royals and Chargers prepare for the CIF-SS playoffs, they will learn their playoff divisions and first-round matchups on Friday at 14:00. Roth noted, “When we move quickly and we really have the eye of the tiger, we’re pretty good… it works really well for us.” This victory not only reinforces the Royals’ dominance in the league but also sets the stage for an exciting playoff season.

In a related matchup, Santa Barbara High defeated Buena High 13-8 in the Channel League third-place game, ensuring an all-local top three finish in the league standings. Jules Horton was instrumental for the Dons, scoring six goals and contributing defensively. As both teams await their playoff pairings, the focus shifts to the upcoming challenges in the postseason.