Coyotes knock off Valley champions
Madera’s Jessica Diaz led the coyotes with seven goals in a 14-12 comeback victory over Selma on Thursday. (Wendy Alexander)
With sights set on a longer playoff run, the Madera Coyotes girls water polo team picked up its biggest win of the young season, defeating Selma 1412 at the McAlister Swim Complex.
The Bears are reigning two-time Div. 3 champions and took the lead by three at the half.
“We had a hard time getting in our defensive strategy and they took advantage,” head coach Erik Baymiller said. “We started fixing our mistakes in the second half and started scoring goals after forcing turnovers.”
Madera’s single-season scoring record holder Jessica Diaz led the Coyotes with seven goals, including three in the fourth quarter.
“We turned the game around about halfway through the fourth quarter and turned a three-goal deficit into a two-goal victory,” Baymiller said. “As usual, Jessica Diaz was phenomenal and was just an all-around thorn in the side of the Selma defense.”
Ceaira Chavira added four goals, Emily Goertzen scored two and Sami Crenshaw added another. Goalie Aubry Choate recorded nine saves.
“Ceaira led her team wonderfully,” Baymiller said. “Sami put in excellent defensive work in the hole set, allowing us to press hard and Aubry came up huge with vital saves.”
Madera next plays in the Hanford Tournament on Friday and Saturday.
Boys get easy win The Coyotes scored early and often in an 18-7 victory over the Bears.
Austin Wade led five goal scorers with five goals. The other four goal scorers scored three or more. Ernesto Solis added four goals.
Alex Rieping, Anthony Campos and Jordan Martinez each put away three shots for the 7-1 Coyotes.
The Coyotes continue play in the Fresno High School tournament today before playing in the Sunnyside Tournament on Saturday and Sunday.
