WALNUT – The Chaparral Pumas dominated the waters with triumphant wins in the CIF State Division III water polo regional playoffs. As the No. 2 seed, Chaparral firmly secured their spot in the semifinals after they outmaneuvered Granada Hills Charter with a decisive 15-7 win.
The synergy on display was undeniable as Julia Neal and Ariah Martinez each propelled four goals past the opposition’s defenses, contributing significantly to the team’s commanding lead. Neal’s sharpshooting and Martinez’s remarkable proficiency, which saw her net all her goals in a breathtaking first half, have solidified their status as key players in the Pumas’ tactical lineup.
Complementing the attacking onslaught, teammates Aidan Mante and Avary Guge lent their might to the scoreboard with a duo of goals each. At the heart of the Pumas’ defense, Holly Handler executed a series of world-class saves, amassing a remarkable total of 13 in the cage. Her exceptional performance highlights why the Pumas are the proud champions of CIF Southern Section’s Division 5.
The Pumas countered that victory and pushed their season to a stellar 25 wins and only five losses after they went up against, and beat, No. 6 seed, Birmingham (16-15), in the semifinal round. Mante scored a match-high six goals and four steals as Handler the cagemaster turned in a 14 save performance. Martinez, who picked up a pair of exclusions in the opening half, finished with five goals, three assists and two steals. Neal and Natalia Ferrette had three goals apiece while Bryn Ankeny added three steals.
In the finals, all eyes were again on Mt. San Antonio College Saturday, Feb. 24, where the Pumas were hoping to unleash their claws in a Division III regional showdown when they faced top-seeded Mt. Carmel. The top-seeded Sundevils would prove to be the more valiant of opponents as they swam away with a 10-4 victory.
For more detailed information visit www.cifstate.org/sports/waterpolo.
