University, Hayes Cruise Past Valencia

Second-seeded University had little trouble dispatching Valencia in the first round of the Southern Section Division III girls’ water polo playoffs Tuesday at University High.

Senior Erin Hayes scored seven goals and teammate Jennifer Hallman added two to help the Trojans (17-9) win, 12-3, and advance to play Katella in a second-round game Thursday at a site to be determined.

But their coach didn’t seem too comfortable.

“We were horrible on our six-on-fives,” University Coach Mike Reid said. “We only scored on one of eight chances. And our shooting was atrocious.

“But I guess it’s nice to win even when you don’t play your best.”

For Valencia (11-11), this matchup arrived a year too late. The Tigers were at their best last season they won the Orange League convincingly with a senior-dominated squad. But now, Valencia Coach Dwight Osborne has a team with plenty of freshmen and sophomores.

University took advantage of that inexperience, with Hayes scoring four times to give the Trojans the lead at halftime, 4-0.

“Early in the game it was a learning experience for us,” Osborne said. “I thought the girls adjusted pretty well after figuring out what they were doing with Hayes. She’s awesome.”

While Hayes, Hallman and Deanna Espinosa scored in the third quarter to push the lead to 7-0, University’s defense frustrated Valencia and held the Tigers to eight shots through 2 1/2 quarters.

Valencia didn’t break through until seven seconds remained in the third quarter. Hayley Sudeith stuffed a rebound past University goalie Amy Hilts (seven saves), then Sarah Drake and Tiffani Clark scored fourth-quarter goals to pull the Tigers within 8-3.

Although University scored four goals in the final 3 1/2 minutes to make it a nine-goal deficit, it could have been worse for Valencia. Seven University shots hit the crossbar or goal posts.

But Osborne wasn’t too dejected.

“I’m still pleased with the way the girls played,” Osborne said. “They followed the game plan, we just couldn’t put it away. But each game this season, they took it up a notch and improved. This is a real young team.”