WALNUT – Murrieta Valley’s girls water polo team added another remarkable chapter to its storied history this past Saturday by claiming the CIF Southern Section Division 2 championship, fending off Downey in a dramatic 8-6 win at the Mt. San Antonio College Aquatic Center in Walnut, California.
The Nighthawks, now seven-time section champions, did what great teams do best — they found ways to win despite adversity. Foul trouble plagued the squad throughout the game, and their offense struggled in the second half. Yet, their defensive tenacity, meticulous preparation, and key contributions from players across the roster sealed the victory in thrilling fashion.
“The final minutes felt like hours,” shared Head Coach Bryan Lynton with a laugh after the match. “But the girls’ preparation and focus carried us through.”
Murrieta Valley (21-11) leapt to a commanding 4-0 lead in the first quarter, with goals coming from a well-rounded offensive effort. Presley Judge, River Elliott, Grace Boyer, and Tanner Chiuchiolo each found the back of the net. The Nighthawks extended their advantage to 7-2 by halftime, with six players contributing goals, including Shiloh Hansen and Kaili Boyer.
However, the second half belonged more to defense as Murrieta Valley’s offense stalled. Downey’s Aleaha Gonzalez and Marissa Fierro sparked a late rally for the Vikings, trimming the deficit to 8-6 in the final quarter. With just 1:35 left on the clock, the tension peaked.
Downey (22-5) pushed hard, creating two late scoring opportunities, but one attempt overshot the cage, and the Vikings’ final possession ended in a turnover that sealed Murrieta Valley’s triumph. Goalie Britton Fleenor was instrumental, making seven saves, including a critical block during a second-period 6-on-4 situation that could have tilted momentum in Downey’s favor.
“We dedicated a lot of practice time to our five-man defense,” said Lynton. “Having Britton make a save in that moment was huge.”
Hansen, the team’s defensive leader, emphasized the value of preparation. “We were ready because our coaches put in the effort to prepare us. We knew exactly how to counter their attack today.”
Despite the loss, Downey displayed its own defensive prowess, holding Murrieta Valley scoreless for extended stretches in the second half. Goalie Maya Jennings led the effort with 11 saves, helping the Vikings contain a usually dominant Nighthawk offense.
The win marks Murrieta Valley’s second division title in three years under Lynton’s second tenure with the program. His return has reinvigorated the team, which continues to adapt to evolving rule changes and stylistic adjustments in the game.
“We start the season by training over the summer, and the girls have embraced every challenge along the way. Winning a championship is the culmination of months of effort and dedication,” Lynton said.
Both teams now turn their attention to the CIF Regional Water Polo Championships. Murrieta Valley will host local rival Lake Elsinore in the Division 2 brackets on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 5 p.m., while Downey faces La Jolla on the opposite side of the bracket. The regional finals will be held on March 1 at Long Beach City College, with times varying by division.
More information for the regional championships can be found at www.cifstate.org. Expect more competitive action from both teams as they aim to take their respective seasons even further.
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