Central Valley’s boys water polo program beat crosstown-rival Ceres High by the slimmest of margins in Western Athletic Conference play last week.
On the girls side, the Hawks pulled away for a victory against the Bulldogs.
Central Valley’s boys team escaped with a 16-15 win over Ceres High at home on Sept. 29.
“It’s really satisfying to win a hard-fought game,” Hawks’ junior standout player Ari Luman said. “I’m happy with how we did.”
Central Valley improved to 4-6 overall and compiled a 3-4 record during the first half of the WAC season.
Ceres High dropped to 4-6 and posted a 3-4 record against conference opponents.
“This game, we tried a lot more,” Luman said.
Luman led the Hawks in scoring with 12 goals.
Luman increased his season total to 77.
Sunny Breshears, Ezekiel Castorena and Israel Garcia all contributed one goal.
Jaxon Merrill led the Bulldogs in scoring with five goals.
Elijah Rodriguez tallied four goals.
Lorenzo Gradilla collected three goals.
Jesus Sanchez had two goals.
Julian Hernandez added one goal.
Central Valley held a slim 9-8 lead at halftime.
Tied at 12-12, the Hawks outscored the Bulldogs 4-3 in the fourth quarter.
Central Valley had three different players score in the final period, including Breshears, Garcia and Luman.
Breshears and Garcia accounted for the Hawks’ first two goals of the quarter.
Luman scored twice despite being triple teamed.
Central Valley switched up its offense when Luman drew more defenders.
“I’m really proud of my team,” he said.
Ceres High nearly forced overtime.
Merrill fired a shot off the right post in the final 15 seconds.
“There was extra motivation because they’re our rivals,” Luman said.
The Hawks survived in thrilling fashion.
Players from both teams expended maximum effort in the pool.
“Everybody is tired,” Luman said.
Central Valley’s girls water polo team defended its home pool with an 18-10 win over Ceres High.
Lilyanna Madrigal filled a major role while helping the Hawks beat the Bulldogs for the first time in program history.
Physical play left Madrigal with scratches on her nose, chest and left arm.
“It comes with the position,” the senior captain/hole-set said. “I know I have to take the heat for our team to be successful.”
The Hawks improved to 2-4 in the WAC standings.
The Bulldogs dropped to 1-5 in league play.
Central Valley improved its head-to-head record against Ceres High to 1-4.
“All wins are rewarding,” Madrigal said. “Beating Ceres High is even more rewarding. We want to prove our program is equally strong.”
Lilyanna Madrigal led the Hawks in scoring with seven goals.
Sophomore Isabella Madrigal and senior Joellene Roton chipped in with six and five goals, respectively.
Sophomore Alana Festa led the Bulldogs in scoring with four goals.
Angel Sasser (Sr.) had two goals.
Rhylie Houtchens (Jr.), Nayeli Reyes (So.), Jaelyn Silva (Sr.) and Heaven Vasquez (Sr.) all contributed one goal.
Central Valley trailed 3-2 at the end of the first quarter.
The Hawks outscored the Bulldogs 16-7 the rest of the game, including 6-2 in the momentum-swaying third period.
“Our effort was on-point today,” Madrigal said. “Our communication was very clear. We fought until the final second. We didn’t let up. To get this win was well-deserved for the team.”
The Hawks took care of business against the crosstown-rival Bulldogs.
“I’m not surprised,” Madrigal said. “With a little bit of fight and effort, I knew we’d win.”
