San Marcos turned in a strong defensive performance in the first half and beat Royal 11-7 in a non-league girls water polo match in Simi Valley on Tuesday.
The Royals held the Highlanders to one goal in the first half while scoring six.
Royal narrowed the deficit to two goals in the third quarter, but San Marcos was able to hold off the Highlanders to notch its fourth win of the season.
Haile Johnson paced the attack with four goals and freshman Kate Coski added three goals. Also scoring were Hannah Koper (2) and Hailey Gellert and Megan Bergthold with one goal apiece. Goalie Kelly Purling had five saves in one of her best outings of the season, said coach Chuckie Roth.
“I’m proud of the team’s discipline and chemistry,” Roth said. “We worked hard over the holiday break and it paid off today.
The Royals (4-9) play San Clemente at Santa Barbara High’s pool at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday
