WALNUT – Elsinore High School’s girls water polo team made history Saturday night at Mt. San Antonio College Aquatic Center, claiming their first CIF Southern Section Division 3 title with a dominant 21-13 win over Flintridge Sacred Heart. The game wasn’t just a title decider; it was record-breaking. Elsinore set a new Southern Section final record, with their 21 goals surpassing the previous best of 18. The combined score of 34 between both teams also cemented itself in the record books, topping the previous high of 30.
“This feels amazing,” said co-coaches Rachel Carroll and Audra Woods after learning their efforts broke new ground in Southern Section history.
The top-seeded Tigers’ aggressive offense has been a hallmark of their season, and they did not waste any time showing why they entered the championship as favorites. Star players Yalissa Tellez and Raygan Carroll, who together scored 13 goals, wasted no time setting the tone. Carroll alone netted three goals in the opening period, with Tellez and Addisyn Dwelley contributing two each to give Elsinore a commanding 8-2 lead early on. The team’s relentless pace continued into the second period, with Carroll and Morgan Brett maintaining the offensive momentum to extend the Tigers’ lead to 12-4 at halftime.
“Our focus going into every game has always been the same—start strong, stay strong,” said Carroll, who is committed to Cal State Northridge. “We know if we start aggressively, we can rattle the other team and maintain control.”
Despite the rapid deficit, Flintridge Sacred Heart showed incredible determination. Their season was riddled with challenges, including disruptions caused by LA wildfires, which led to canceled or postponed matches. Several athletes even dealt with personal losses as the fires impacted their homes. These adversities didn’t keep the Comets down for long.
Flintridge Sacred Heart’s Marisol Cowles and Lily Waggoner spearheaded a determined comeback attempt in the third quarter. Cowles tallied a match-high five goals, while Waggoner added three. Starting the second half with a strong 4-1 run, the Comets chipped away at Elsinore’s lead, pulling within 13-8. Another 4-1 streak late in the game brought them as close as 16-12, creating tension in the stands.
However, Elsinore showed why preparation is key. “We worked really hard all week making sure we knew how to handle every situation,” said Woods. “That preparation came through when it mattered most.”
The Tigers answered with a display of conviction, rattling off five consecutive goals to put the game out of reach. Tellez and Dwelley each scored twice during that decisive stretch. Brett, who finished with three goals of her own, praised her teammates for their relentless energy throughout four periods of play.
The celebratory leap into the pool was an emotional moment for the Tigers. After the thrill of receiving the championship plaque, Elsinore’s athletes and coaches reflected on the significance of their achievement.
With the section title secured, Elsinore’s focus now shifts to the CIF Regional Water Polo Championships. The Tigers will travel south to face Murrieta Valley in the Division 2 bracket on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Meanwhile, Flintridge Sacred Heart’s season serves as a testimony to their ability to persevere under unpredictable circumstances.
Local fans still have plenty to look forward to, with Lake Elsinore also competing in the regional tournament. The ultimate goal? A spot in the finals on March 1 at Long Beach City College.
For more details about the regional schedule and matchups, visit www.cifstate.org. It’s safe to say the thrill isn’t over yet for Southern California water polo.
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