San Marcos’ Zoe Kirker came out of her shell on Tuesday, as the defensive specialist netted five goals in a 13-7 victory over Cabrillo in the Royals’ home pool.
Head coach Brian Roth said he’s been encouraging the sophomore to look for her shot more on the offensive end.
Kirker has obliged, albeit reluctantly.
“Defense is like my home. I just don’t feel like going out of my comfortable position,” admitted Kirker, but credited Roth for Tuesday’s offensive breakout. “”(Coach) really believes that I can do it so I guess that helps a lot.”
Jade Fitzgerald and Brittny Hummel each had a hat trick in a game that the Royals started slow.
“I think we made a lot of silly mistakes at the beginning to be honest ,” said Roth, but admitted that slow starts have plagued his team all season long.
After facing a 3-2 deficit at the end of the first quarter, San Marcos locked in shut out the Conqs 5-0 in the second.
“I told them to rely on our fundamentals, on our counter-attack, and that’s pretty much what we did,” Roth said.
Goalie Autumn Lovett made eight saves on the day.
The Royals improve to 3-4 on the season and next up on the schedule is a rescheduled match with St. Joseph on Friday at 2:30 p.m.
SAN MARCOS 13, CABRILLO 7
San Marcos 2 5 3 3 – 13
Cabrillo 3 0 1 3 – 7
Goals – SM: Kirker 5, Hummel 3, Fitzgerald 3, Chardon, Koper. C: Couki 2, Nelson 2, Itssins, Taylor, Piertesure. Goalie Saves – SM: Lovett 8.
