Jade Fitzgerald was in mid-season form in the Royals’ season-opener on Tuesday, scoring eight goals in a 11-9 come-from-behind victory for the San Marcos girls water polo team.
“She has a knack for scoring the ball,” said head coach Brian Roth, who credited Fitgeralds hard work during the offseason.
Fitzgerald matches her career high, set last year against the same Rio Mesa team.
While the Royals were playing their first match of the season, Rio Mesa (ranked No. 3 in Division IV) was playing its seventh contest.
“We were fighting back the whole game,” explained Roth, whose team was down 6-3 at halftime. “In the 3rd and 4th, kids stepped up on their own and decided we were going to score the ball.”
Roth made sure to single out Rose Koper in her varsity debut, saying she embodies what the San Marcos program is all about.
The Royals, who moved up to Division I this season, play in the Villa Park Tourament for the first time this weekend. Their first of five matches is at 3 p.m. on Thursday against Cathedral City.
SAN MARCOS 11, RIO MESA 9
San Marcos 1 2 4 4 – 11
Rio Mesa 4 2 3 0 – 9
Goal Scorers – SM: Fitzgerald 8, Kirker, Chardon, Hummel. RM: McCardelo 4, Branch 3, Jamison 2. Goalie Saves – SM Lovett, 9. RM Charlotte Nelson 9. Records – SM 1-0. RM 4-3.
