Orange Lutheran girls water polo coach Steve Carrera called his team a work-in-progress Tuesday night, but make no mistake, the important chores are getting done at a rapid pace.
The fifth-ranked Lancers opened Trinity League play by defeating Rosary, 14-9, behind a season-high six goals by Kelsey Tyler and eight saves by Bailey Meyer at Santiago Canyon College in Orange.
Myna Simmons and Emma Skelly added three goals apiece and Campbell Ruh netted two as the Lancers (14-2, 1-0) beat the Royals (7-5, 0-1) for the first time and took a major step toward locking up an automatic playoff berth in CIF-SS Division 1.
The breakthrough came about 10 days after Orange Lutheran notched a program-best fifth-place finish at the Holiday Cup, including a one-goal loss to No. 3 Newport Harbor.
“We’re definitely improved,” Carrera said. “Heading into (the) Santa Barbara (tournament this weekend), this is positive.”
Orange Lutheran outscored Rosary, 4-1, in the second period to take control. The Lancers scored the first three goals of the frame, including two by Tyler.
“She has been really facilitating but tonight,” Carrera said, “she really showed that (offensive) part of her game, too.”
Tyler helped push a counterattack that collected four goals in the final three periods. Orange Lutheran netted two of the goals off consecutive offensive fouls in the third, but the Lancers’ defense also featured three steals by Madison Himler.
Anastacia Gonzalez and freshman center Bayley Weber each scored three goals for Rosary and Katie Tijerina added two.
“I don’t think it’s the be-all and end-all in league,” Rosary coach Rory Bevins said of the result. “It’s going to come down to who is hot.”
In the Sea View League:
Mission Viejo 15, Laguna Hills 10: Skylar Newhouser scored five goals to lead the visiting Diablos (17-4, 2-0).
In the Pacific Coast League:
Beckman 10, University 9: Cara Vejsicky scored four goals for the visiting Patriots (7-4, 3-0).
In the Freeway League:
La Habra 5, Buena Park 4 (OT): Hannah Grossman scored the only goal in overtime to lift the host Highlanders (5-5, 1-0) in their league opener.
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
