GWP: Cate wins wild-card thriller, 7-6

Caroline Montgomery scored on a penalty shot for the go-ahead goal in the final seconds of the third quarter and Cate’s defense held off visiting Palm Springs to pull out a 7-6 victory in a CIF Division 6 wild card girls water polo match on Tuesday.

“We Weathered the best of whatever Palm Springs could throw at us,” Cate coach Nathan Alldredge said. “The defense held tight in the fourth to seal the win.”

The win advances the Rams (12-2) to a first-round match against top-seeded and defending champion Yorba Linda on Thursday.

The game was close from the start.

Alldredge credited the play of his seniors in pulling out the win. Sophie Maes had three goals and Caroline Montgomery added two goals.

“Sophie Maes was huge today, making timely shots from up top and coming up with some key defensive stops to pace the Rams,” Alldredge said.”Our seniors really led the team on both sides of the pool.”

Junior goalie Bella Shealy made seven saves, including some key stops late in the game to deny a late Palm Springs comeback.