TULARE – The Tulare Western High girls water polo team quickly took away any drama from its West Yosemite League matchup against visiting Dinuba High on Wednesday, Sept. 27, in a battle of unbeatens in league play.
The Mustangs (8-4, 2-0) roared out to a 6-1 lead after one period behind two goals each from Makayla McGuire and Lauren Starr, and never looked back in a 21-4 drubbing of the Emperors (9-5, 1-1) at Tulare Western pool. It capped off a big afternoon by the Mustangs’ varsity teams, as the boys earlier cruised to a 17-2 victory.
Olivia Machado scored all three of her goals in the second period, as Tulare Western’s girls tacked on five more goals to grab an 11-2 halftime lead. The defense kept Dinuba’s attack bottled up throughout the game, and was able to get multiple inside shots.
McGuire finished with eight goals, Starr had six goals and Machado three as seven different players scored for the Mustangs. Sophomore Kathryne Forbes had two of Dinuba’s four goals while Jada Quintero and Arlene Rodriguez also added scores for the Emps.
The boys contest also was decided quickly, as Tulare Western (11-9, 2-0) peppered the Dinuba net for eight goals in the opening quarter. Four different players scored, including senior Adrian Tristao who finished with five goals.
The Mustangs built the lead to 12-1 at halftime as junior Andyn Epperson scored both of his goals. Also collecting two goals in the match for the hosts were Blake Crawford, Trey Garrison and Chi’el Sanchez. Abraham Martinez and Abraham Raya had goals for Dinuba (3-4, 0-2 WYL).
Tulare Western returns to WYL action with road matches Tuesday, Oct. 3, at Hanford and Thursday, Oct. 5 at Lemoore. The Lemoore High boys entered the week with a 16-3 record on the season,
Dinuba returns to league play Tuesday, Oct 3, with home games against Lemoore (boys at 4:30, girls at 5:30 p.m.). The Emperors also play host Tulare Union on Thursday, Oct. 5 at Dinuba High Aquatic Center.
