Girls Water Polo vs Conroe

A non-conference game was added to the girls’ schedule last Friday to help ready them for the playoffs: the Spartans faced off against the Conroe Tigers at the CISD natatorium. Freshman Emmie Hanvey -- playing her first full varsity game in the goalbox – brought 100% intensity to the pool. Scoring started early with a swim-off win and a steal from junior Emma Jackson, ball to junior Lily Askounis, who passed to senior Gwendolyn Beach for the goal. The Tigers answered quickly, but tough defense from sophomores Avery Garcia and Hana Riley returned possession to Stratford. Beach made her second goal of the game in a patient face-off with the Tiger goalie. Sophomore Sarah Beth Roady got into the action with smart offensive moves that kept the ball at Stratford’s end. Good ball movement around the horn resulted in a Beach-to-Askounis goal to end the 1st period 3-1. No scoring in the second for the Spartans, though continued tough defense and heads-up play came from Jackson, freshmen Lilli Oteiza, Molly Kate Minyard and Elizabeth Conner, soph Roady and junior Lindsay Wong. It was 3-2 end of the first half.

The second half dawned with Hana Riley contributing offensive momentum. Lots of action under the water impeded progress toward the goal, but a nice heads-up pass from Molly Kate Minyard to Lily Askounis in set position resulted in a goal. 4-2 Spartans. Despite forced turnovers from Avery Garcia and Emma Jackson, and a monster block and a fingertip save by goalie Hanvey, the game was tied 4-4 end of the third. Offense got rolling again with a Jackson pass to Askounis for goal. 5-4. Garcia, Hanvey, and Conner made a human wall to block the Tigers, but they charged back 5-5. Elizabeth Conner made a nice steal and pass for Gwen Beach’s third goal of the game. 6-5 Stratford. Emmie Hanvey is credited with an impressive 8 saves. Lots of ball movement and hustle from the Spartans, but the Tigers roared ahead for a 6-8 final score.

Single-elimination playoffs start on Tuesday, October 11 against Langham Creek at the CyFair ISD nat at 5:00 pm. Come on out and cheer on Stratford Water Polo!