Fast start propels San Marcos to 10-2 rout

If the San Marcos girls water polo team wanted to see how much it’s improved this season, its non-league match at Royal was the perfect measuring stick.

San Marcos played the Highlanders in a preseason scrimmage and won 10-7. Their Wednesday match ended in a 10-2 Royals rout.

“It really shows out improvement over the course of the year,” said San Marcos coach Chuckie Roth.

San Marcos jumped on the Highlanders with five goals in the first period.

“We got three quick goals, all off steals,” Roth said. “It was 5-0 at the end of the first quarter. We just played well. In that first period, we just took the win out of their sails.”

Hannah Koper led the first-quarter barrage with three of her team-high four goals.

Brittny Hummel added three goals, Rose Koper two and Sarah Switzer one.

The Royals (7-5) return to Channel League play Tuesday at Ventura.