Riding on the undefeated train

Newport Harbor High’s girls frosh-soph water polo team continued

its dominance this season by remaining undefeated (14-0) following a

first-place finish in the Charger Classic at El Toro High Saturday.

The Sailors defeated Fountain Valley, 14-2, in the final of the

16-team tournament.

Ashling Taylor, Amanda Barto and Leah Robertson each scored three

goals with Kali Lucas and Cali Manderino collecting two scores along

with D.J. Trobeman’s single tally.

Kendal Nelson made six saves against Fountain Valley, but stopped

nine shots in a 5-4 win over Foothill in the semifinals earlier

Saturday.

Newport coach Les Cutler said Foothill provided the Sailors the

most competition they have faced all season.

“Foothill is a scrappy and physical team with some

physically-strong girls,” Cutler said. “We had to use our speed and

fortunately regained our composure.”

Against the Knights, Taylor scored two goals while Robertson,

Barto and Lucas each tallied single scores.

Newport won a total of four tournament games, winning by forfeit

before beating Woodbridge, 17-1, Friday.

Lucas and Taylor each scored four goals followed by Manderino and

Melissa Wheeler (three goals apiece), Katie Roberts (two) and Jordan

Weiner (one), who all got in on the offensive explosion.

Nelson again proved a stalwart in goal, making five saves.

*

As of Jan. 21, the Newport Harbor High girls frosh-soph soccer

team had scored 28 goals in 10 games they have split (5-5).

The Sailors find themselves 2-1 in the Sea View League after wins

over Laguna Hills (9-1) and Aliso Niguel (2-1) following a 1-0 loss

to Foothill in the circuit opener.

Newport Coach Josh Ruderman said the Sailors played a strong game

against Foothill, hitting the post with the ball five times.

Defenders Kristin Baker, Stephanie DiSano, Jessica Gavilan,

Raeanne Pfeifer, Chelsea Ward, Paz Krotee and Jenna Riggio all have

done a solid job keeping the ball on the opponent’s side of the

field, Ruderman said.

The offensive attacks have been spearheaded by Malorie McMains,

Lyndsi Foster, Amanda Laz, Sienna Palmer, Jennifer Ryder and Hallie

Mitchell. Nicole Newquist and Courtney Hanson have both provided

additional offense.

Goalkeeper Shannon Forsythe has kept the team in games all season.

Ruderman said the team has improved its passing in hopes of aiding

the offense for the final three games of league play.