Burroughs polo has big third quarter in win against Burbank

BURBANK — The first time the Burroughs High girls’ water polo team took on cross-town rival Burbank earlier in the season in a Burbank Tournament contest, the Indians lost in overtime.

In the teams’ second meeting Thursday in a Pacific League contest at Burbank, it wasn’t as close.

Paced by a big third quarter, the Indians avenged the earlier loss by posting an 11-5 victory.

“We have improved a lot as a team since the first time we played them,” Burroughs Coach Michael Singhanate said. “But we were missing some key players when we first played. We had three players sick [Thursday], but they wanted to play in the rivalry.”

The Indians (6-12, 1-2 in league) used a solid transition game to score against Burbank (4-7, 1-2), especially in the third quarter.

Burroughs was paced by Kailee Groveman, who tallied five goals.

After the Indians held a slim 5-4 lead at the half, they outscored the Bulldogs, 6-0, in the third to create separation.

“I just thought that our girls were nervous with it being the rivalry and all,” Burbank Coach Allison Young said. “They were telling me that all day. It’s just hard to try and calm them down when they get it in their heads that it’s a big deal.”

Burbank received two goals each from Ryan Bettencourt and Stella Aghakian.

Burroughs goalkeeper Kate Wilke made 11 saves.