Santa Barbara High staged a big fourth-period rally, and Spencer Smith scored the game-winning goal as the Dons defeated Buena 8-7 in a Channel League boys water polo game.
The result sets up a must-win situation for the Dons on Thursday against San Marcos. A win would put them in third place in league and they’d make the CIF playoffs.
Santa Barbara rallied from a 7-4 deficit. Smith’s winning goal came on a 6-on-5 power play. The goal was only one scored on seven 6-on-5 advantages.
Skyler Matthews had four goals, two assists, four steals, and earned four ejections for Santa Barbara. Chris Gaffney scored twice and had an assist, all in the 4-0 fourth quarter. Adam Gross led all players with four assists.