San Marcos’ girls water polo team was close to a 2-0 day to start the Villa Park Tournament but ended on the other end of a 12-10 decision.
The Royals defeated Troy 12-7 first before being matched up with El Toro, the No. 4 ranked team in Division II. The second game was a hard-fought struggle in which the Chargers prevailed 12-10.
“It was a valiant effort, I thought it was a lot of heart,” said Royals head coach Chuckie Roth.
The Royals had lost two starters to foul trouble in the third quarter of the second game and almost won by coming back in the fourth quarter without anyone left on the bench.
Hannah Koper had five goals in each game for a team-high of 10 goals for the tournament so far. Halie Johnson collected six in the first game and one in the second. Frances Kuesis scored in both games as well.
Roth noted the play of Jenna Phreaner in the cage. The freshman goalie blocked 11 shots in the game with the Chargers and added a steal after recording nine blocks in the first game.
The Royals play Cathedral from San Diego on Friday at El Toro High School.
