Dos Pueblos was simply too physical and too skilled for San Marcos in Thursday’s boys water polo match as the Chargers cruised to a 21-5 win at Elings Aquatc Center.
DP’s Kevin Cappon scored five goals and Chase Racich added four, and defensively the Chargers suffocated the Royals, forcing mostly outside shots. The hosts had 18 steals on the game.
San Marcos looked plenty capable in the first quarter, finishing the period trailing just 5-3. The Chargers racked up five steals in the second quarter, however, and took a 10-3 lead into halftime.
“It’s just tough. They’re a good team,” said Royals coach Jeff Ashton. “It kinda is what it is. We took it as an opportunity to try and continue to get better.”
Dos Pueblos goalie Kyle Moore gets ready to make a block.
There were some bright moments for the Royals, like Jorge Flores’ highlight-reel shot from 10 meters that rocketed into the back of the net to cut the DP lead to 16-5 in the final minute of the third quarter.
“They made some amazing shots,” said Chargers coach Chris Parrish. “They had at least three outside shots that were spectacular.”
Goalie Chris Bebb also had two great blocks back-to-back midway through the second quarter.
But the Chargers, ranked fourth in Division I, were able to get close-range looks at will for much of the match. Derek Shoemaker’s intimidating presence at the two-meter spot cleared plenty of space, and DP’s ball movement was quick and precise. Shoemaker finished with three goals and four assists.
Andre Rivera scored twice to lead the Royals, and Ashton highlighted the hustle of Tyler Lisea.
The Chargers are now 14-4 with a 3-0 record in the Channel League, but Parrish said he is “a little nervous” about the second half of the season. After Monday’s home game against JSerra, DP has an entire week off before playing at Santa Barbara High.
“We have over a full week layoff before Santa Barbara, and I’m really concerned we’ll be pretty rusty,” he said.
Parrish also said that he wasn’t surprised that the Dons gave Ventura such a good match before falling 10-8 to the Cougars in overtime on Tuesday. Santa Barbara coach Mark Walsh said after that match that he didn’t really think his team had much of a chance against Ventura.
“Honestly, I think that’s kind of Mark’s thing. He downplays he’s team all year, but Santa Barbara never gets blown out by anybody,” said Parrish.
San Marcos (10-13, 0-3) hosts Ventura on Tuesday.
DOS PUEBLOS 21, SAN MARCOS 5
San Marcos…3 0 2 0 — 5
Dos Pueblos…5 5 6 5 — 21
Goals — SM: Rivera 2, Johnson 1, Battles 1, Flores 1. DP: Cappon 5, Racich 4, Shoemaker 3, Cleary 3, Reordan 2, Baker 1, Rossier 1, Silva 1, Van Alphen 1.
Saves — SM:Bebb 6. DP: Moore 3.
