Sports
Santana, West Hills Water Polo Making a Splash
Girls water polo programs at the two Santee schools are showing improvement thanks to feeder programs.
With the evolution of stronger feeder programs, both and high schools are making great strides in this season.
The mid-season report card shows Santana's Sultans again at the top of the , while West Hills' Wolf Pack is on the verge of advancing deep in an important mid-year tournament.
"Our team continues to grow together as close friends with great camaraderie," said West Hills coach . "And it shows on both offense and defense."
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Both elements came into focus in Tuesday's 18-12 road triumph against El Capitan. The victory gives the a perfect 4-0 record through the first round of GVL play.
Amber Schisler led the way with eight goals, while the Sultans also received three markers each from Isabelle Mendoza, Emily Schisler and Whitney Sammons. But it was the defensive side that caught the coach's attention.
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"We had five field saves, which is quite amazing," Malueg noted. "You usually don't see one field save in a game."
Because shooters are so close to the cage, it's often difficult for a defender to block a shot like one would in, say, soccer or hockey. Nevertheless, the Sultans gained five, including a pair by Kaci Turpin. Sammons also added six steals.
Wolf Pack Advancing in East County Invitational
Meanwhile, West Hills is making up for lost time by moving to within one victory of a berth in the championship round of the girls water polo tournament.
On Monday, the Wolf Pack split a pair of pool-play contests, including a 15-3 triumph over Clairemont. One additional victory (by at least two goals) on Friday will give the school the pool title and a berth into the knockout phase of Saturday's championship round.
"We hope to get to the semifinals and be a Top Four team," said West Hills coach James Searls. "The team is starting to gel, but we still have to get by Otay Ranch first."
The teams meet Friday at 5:40 p.m. at Monte Vista High.
So far in pool play, the Wolf Pack's scoring leader is senior Celeste Fessler, who has scored seven of the team's 17 total goals. Senior sprinter Jessica Lazor has expanded the team's offense with her speed, while defensive center Jessica Ratlif has supported an improving effort in the back.
Special to Santee Patch from East County Sports.com
