Patriots girls water polo team wins again in playoffs, 13-11

Heritage's Christina Harvey (right) wins a jump ball on the second overtime sprint.

Christina Harvey scored five goals – including the final goal in double overtime – as the Heritage High School girls water polo team defeated Norte Vista 13-11 Monday in the second round of the CIF Div. 5 playoffs.

The game was originally scheduled for last Friday, when the power went out at Arlington High School. This game was first rescheduled to Heritage for Monday, but the home pool advantage was later restored to Norte Vista. That didn’t stop the Patriots, who rallied from a four-goal deficit in the fourth quarter of regulation play to send the game to overtime, 9-9.

Harvey was named Player of the Game. She had five goals, three earned ejections, and was an inspiration to her teammates, said coach Shannon “Lucky” Stephenson.

“She boosted her team’s morale with positivity and focus,” Stephenson said. “That was the game changer. Our team was down four goals in the fourth quarter, but we stayed focused and persevered.”

Goalkeeper Alana O’Neal had 13 shot blocks. Gracie Ledesma finished with three goals, five steals, and four earned ejections. Taylor Gruender contributed a goal, three assists and three steals.

The decisive goals at the end of overtime came from Ledesma on a 5-meter shot and Harvey with a shot from the weak side post.

“I was very impressed with our team’s way to keep fighting,” Stephenson said. “We got a second wind, laser focused and pulled off the win. Our ladies are not ready to finish the season yet!”

The Patriots now have a 17-8 overall record and a nine-game winning streak. They will play at Fullerton in the quarterfinals Wednesday at 5 p.m.