Pool Tricks

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Adversity brings out the best in any team and the Palisades High girls water polo squad found out that its determination was as deep as the pool at Rio Mesa High in Oxnard, where the Dolphins ignored fatigue to stun Marymount 9-8 in overtime and capture fifth place at the Oxnard Classic.      

Having fallen to the Sailors 13-8 only eight days earlier, Palisades turned the tables thanks to lockdown defense from Leighanne Estabrook and Sydney Brouwer, clutch saves by Alex Levy and three goals by Elyana Goren—the last on a skip shot with the Sailors’ top scorer and Cal commit Reagan Whitney out on an ejection.

Pali High Coach Kirk Lazaruk called it a complete team win.

“We had to play nine straight quarters, the girls were exhausted, but it was all heart and teamwork to beat a team that had the best player in the pool,” he said. “I’m so proud of our girls. We had several set plays that produced goals, including the game-winner. I had saved that last play and it worked perfectly!”

Goren scored two quick goals to give Palisades an early lead.Kavita Sekhon scored on a rebound to make it 3-1 but Whitney scored the second of her five goals to pull Marymount within 3-2 at the half.

Two goals apiece from Emily Bunnapradist and Brouwer and another by Estabrook nudged the Dolphins ahead, 8-7, but Whitney got the tying goal with 20 seconds left in regulation.

Palisades won both of its pool play games Friday but lost its first game Saturday to El Dorado, 9-4, despite three goals by Estabrook.

Later that afternoon Palisades lost to Ventura, 7-6. Brouwer had three goals, including the last with 45 ticks left to pull Palisades within one. Estabrook scored twice and Marieka Possman scored once.