Paloma Valley used a balanced scoring attack and tenacious defense in the final minutes to hold on for a 7-6 victory over host Burroughs High of Burbank Thursday in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 3 girls water polo playoffs.
Charlotte Stewart led the offense with three goals, while Danica Munoz, Maya Lawrence, Kaylee Gutierrez, and Sienna Pospisil each had one. Goalkeeper Matilyn Knowlton made 13 saves. Munoz finished with two assists and Gutierrez had three.
“I am so proud of the girls,” said coach Joe Ellet. “They played together and fought hard from the opening whistle to the final horn. They had some incredible defensive stops to hold off Burroughs in the last three minutes.”
The Wildcats will be at home against Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks in the second round Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.
In Division 4 openers, Liberty lost to La Canada 12-1, and Heritage lost to Beaumont, 12-10.
