The Kennedy High girls water polo team opened the Empire League with a 9-7 win over Valencia on Thursday at Kennedy High.
The Fighting Irish were led by Channon Owens, Michelle Benitez and Karen Anguiano, who each had three goals for the Irish. Owens added four steals and Karen Anguiano had three steals. Sabrina Romero also had four steals, as the game was a defensive battle in the first half. The match was tied 1-1 after two quarters. Goalie Cami Owens had eight saves and chipped in two assists.
The Fighting Irish improved to 14-6 overall and 1-0 in the Empire League. They return to Empire League action today against Pacifica, at 5:30 p.m. at Garden Grove High.
Centurions down Mariners
Sarah Smith had four goals and four steals to lead the Cypress High girls water polo team to a 7-6 win over Pacifica, in the Empire League opener for both teams on Thursday, at Cypress High.
Aly Cosentino had two goals and Natalie Saldana added one for the Centurions. Kylie Deguzman had two assists and Saldana added four steals to her offensive contribution. Lindsey Mizrani also had three steals. Cypress outscored the Mariners, 3-1 in the third quarter to take a 5-4 lead into the final stanza.
Cypress returns to Empire League play on Thursday at 4 p.m. at Tustin High.
Los Al fighting for second
The Los Alamitos High girls water polo team is locked in a three-way tie for Second place in the Sunset League, as they return to league play today at 6:05 p.m. against Huntington Beach. The match will be held at Newport Harbor High.
Los Alamitos lost to Newport Harbor, 7-3, and the Sailors are now 3-0, and poised to grab the league title. The Griffins rebounded with a 18-2 win over Marina in their next league game and have played several non-league matches since.