George Kuesis of the San Marcos water polo team sparked a comeback from a 7-3 deficit against Santa Barbara High, and the Royals went to to beat the Dons, 16-10, to win the championship at the Conejo Classic in Thousand Oaks on Saturday.
“He really got us going,” San Marcos coach said of Kuesis, who scored three goals in the final, including the go-ahead goal.
Nine different players contributed in the victory over the Dons. “We’re a team without a star,” said Ashton.
Adam Gross and Jack Rottman each scored three goals for Santa Barbara (5-1).
Kuesis was clutch for the Royals in a 14-7 win over Ventura in the semifinals. He scored three goals “and really got us going,” said Ashton.
Goalie Jack Palmer came up with some big saves against Ventura.
San Marcos started the day with a 9-2 victory over Thousand Oaks. The Royals improve to 6-0 on the season.
Santa Barbara used a big fourth period to beat Glendale 13-11 in the quarterfinals. GRoss had five goals and Rottman scored four to lead the scoring. Justyn Barrios had 15 saves.
In the semifinals, Santa Barbara defeated Malibu. Rottman, Sawyer Rhodes and Chris Gaffney each scored two goals.
