Two wins at the Villa Park Tournament is just what San Marcos’ girls water polo team was looking for on Friday, and the Royals secured the victories over Long Beach Poly and Huntington Beach.
The Royals defeated Poly 9-5 in their first game before topping the Oilers 12-9 in their second. The Royals started the tournament with a 9-5 loss to Fountain Valley on Thursday.
“Today we were just playing a lot better,” remarked San Marcos head coach Chuckie Roth.
Much of that credit can go to the Koper sisters, Rose and Hannah, who combined to score 12 goals. Each recorded six goals on the day. Brittny Hummel scored four times and freshman Halie Johnson added three more.
San Marcos actually started off the day with a scoreless first quarter against Long Beach before scoring four in the second quarter.
“I think that’s where we turned it around on the day,” Roth said.
Against Huntington Beach, the Royals won it with defense, collecting 13 steals. Natalie Chilton and Johnson each recorded three steals.
San Marcos (2-2) plays two matches on Saturday. Two wins would place the Royals in 17th place out of 32 teams.
