Paloma Valley girls water polo team headed for playoffs

Paloma Valley players celebrate a big victory over Hemet on Thursday. (Photo courtesy of Joe Ellett)

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Paloma Valley High School’s girls water polo team will play a tough Riverside Poly team on the road Tuesday as the Ivy League Tournament continues just a week before the CIF playoffs begin.

The Wildcats secured a top 4 finish in the tournament and a CIF playoff berth with a 10-8 victory over Hemet on Thursday. It would take a win over undefeated and top-seeded Poly on Tuesday to earn a spot in the tournament finals.

Either way, Paloma Valley (14-10 overall) is headed for the playoffs with momentum and a talented team capable of success in the postseason.

“That was a huge game,” coach Joe Ellett said about the win over Hemet. “You could feel the energy of both teams. You could see their excitement and without too much nervousness.”

Two years ago, the Wildcats advanced to the CIF quarterfinals. Last season they won the Sunbelt League Tournament and lost in the CIF semifinals. A move up to the Ivy League has meant tougher competition, but Paloma has been up to the challenge.

One of the team’s leaders is junior Kaylee Gutierrez, who is in just her second year playing the sport. She scored four goals in the win over Hemet – the Wildcats’ second win over the Bulldogs in three days.

“Kaylee has become someone who can lead the team on defense and still be the leading scorer,” Ellett said. “She had the desire to be a more vocal leader on the team this year and her level of play has really gone up.”

Junior Matilyn Knowlton has performed consistently as the team’s goalkeeper.

“She’s been very aggressive in the cage. She’s made a lot of steals and her passing helps us transition from defense to offense,” Ellett said.

Another top defensive player is junior Evelyn Covarrubias.

“She has been a defensive leader all year and has only stepped up her game as the season went on,” Ellett said.

Senior Gianna Bailey was the goalkeeper last season and made a successful transition to the middle of the pool this season.

“We talked about moving her out in the middle, and she has made a good transition,” Ellett said. “She has become a good defender and runs sets on offense.”

The CIF playoffs will begin the week of Feb. 3.