It’s anyone and everyone’s game for the Dos Pueblos girls water polo team now that star-player Kiley Neushul is out of the lineup for an extended amount of time.
Everyone except for Buena, that is.
On Thursday, Tiera Schroeder led a balanced Charger attack in a 15-2 rout of the Bulldogs at Elings Aqautic Center.
Schroeder scored five times and Alex Hill, Amanda Redfern and Kodi Hill all recorded a hat trick. Goalie Sami Hill and the defense didn’t allow a Buena goal in the first half, and the Chargers improved to 3-1 on the season and 2-0 in the Channel League.
In two league games without Nueshul, Dos Pueblos has outscored its oponents 26-5.
But players and head coach Danelle Little were not satisfied – not with the Nike Extravaganza starting on Friday.
“Our chemistry is still off right now,” said Little, who expects a much tougher challenge in their tournament opener against Montebello (No. 2 in Div. II). “They’re going to have to start stepping up when they’ve relied on (Nueshul) in the past.”
Others in that mix include seniors Jessica Morelos (1 goal, 3 assists) and Sienna Van Alphen (3 steals).
“We’re looking forward to playing this weekend and getting practice with this group of girls,” Little said.
The team is buying Little’s challenge.
“It’s going to be a great experience,” said Van Alphen, noting that it would be tough without their best player. “We’re just going to keep working as a team, working hard and doing the best we can.”
“Since Kiley’s out, everyone has to step up and play a bigger part in the offense,” said Schroeder. “It helps us a lot working on teamwork and knowing where you need to be.”
The Chargers will have a better idea of where they are after this weekend’s matches.
Nueshul isn’t expected back until mid-January.
DOS PUEBLOS 15, BUENA 2
Buena 0 0 1 1 – 2
Dos Pueblos 4 3 4 4 – 15
Goal Scorers – DP: A. Hill 3, Schroeder 5, Redfern 3, C. Hill 3, Moreles 1. B: Luciani, Johnson. Goalie Saves: S. Hill 3 blocks, 2 steals.
