Dos Pueblos’ Sami Hill made a triumphant return to the cage on Friday afternoon, recording 15 saves in her first game in almost three weeks to help the Chargers’ girls water polo team to a 10-6 CIF quarterfinal victory over Long Beach Wilson.
“It’s awesome to have her back,” DP head coach Danelle Little said of Hill, noting how it frees up Nicole Morelos and Tiera Schroeder to play in their natural field positions.
Schroeder responded by forcing four ejections that resulted in four scores. Freshman Kodi Hill scored all three of her team-high three goals in those man-up situations.
Kiley Neushul did well at making the extra pass and recorded four assists as a result to help the Chargers improve to 26-3 on the season.
After a fairly even first quarter that ended with the Chargers up 4-3, DP clamped down on defense and only allowed one more Sailor score the rest of the way until two late garbage-time goals for Long Beach.
Little singled out senior Jessica Morelos as being the defensive stalwart, shutting down Wilson’s top scorer.
If the Chargers are to repeat as CIF champions – this year in Division I – they will have to go through No. 3-seeded Newport Harbor in Wednesday’s semifinals. DP is 1-1 against the Sailors this season but hasn’t faced them with Sami Hill and Neushul in the lineup at the same time.
DOS PUEBLOS 10, LONG BEACH WILSON 6
Dos Pueblos 4 2 2 2 – 10
Long Beach 3 0 1 2 – 6
Goal Scorers – DP KHill 3, AHill 2, Van Alphen 2, Schroeder, Neushul, Redfern. LB – Williams 2, Baker 2, Loveless, Dauve. Goalie Saves – DP SHill 15.
