They won every opening swim-off, had countless steals and numerous turnovers, but the Girls Water Polo Team could not convert those positives into a win last Tuesday at the WW Emmons Natatorium. Up against visiting Deer Park under a literally stormy start, the Spartans opened the match with a nice Emma Jackson-to-Gwendolyn Beach play that resulted in a goal from the senior and a 1-1 first quarter tie.

The second quarter saw more steals and forced turnovers from sophomores Avery Garcia and Sarah Beth Roady, Jackson, and Beach. Senior goalkeeper Caroline Smith made a handful of monster saves including an at-the-buzzer block at the end of the quarter.

20 seconds into the third period, junior Jackson made the final Spartan score of the game with a quick turnaround shot in a face-off with the Deer goalie. More heads-up defense, steals, and turnovers are credited to the two Ashleys – Cooper and Cardin, freshman Molly Kate Minyard, soph Hana Riley, Beach, and Jackson.

The fourth quarter was filled with aggravatingly aggressive action under the water and GREAT goalie moves. Total Smith saves for the game: 14.

Final score: Spartans 2, Deer Park 6

The next match up is Friday, September 9 @ 6:15pm at the SBISD nat against district rival Memorial High School.