Coyotes get rare win over Sanger

Backed by five goals from Austin Wade and four more from Conner Huber, the Madera Coyotes boys water polo team held on for a 10-9 victory over the Sanger Apaches to open County/Metro Athletic Conference play.

Sanger had possession with nine seconds left Thursday evening, but the Coyotes pressed Sanger tough and the Apaches couldn’t get off a shot.

Madera trailed 4-1 at the end of the first quarter, but reversed the score for a 5-5 tie at the half. Madera outscored Sanger 3-2 in the third and both teams scored two in the fourth for a Coyotes victory.

“The guys played well,” head coach Rick Martines said. “They were able to stay positive after the first quarter and handled the pressure very well. Conner Huber was very strong and shot effectively on the outside perimeter. Austin was just as effective attacking the cage inside the five-meter line.”

Martines also pointed out the play of Ernesto Solis, who scored a goal and had three assists. Also the defense in front of goalie P.J. Ornelas, who had six blocks, played well, according to Martines.

“Jordon Martines, Anthony Campos and Robbie Niino played excellent defense,” he said. “We were only ejected twice and drew nine ejections.”

Madera next hosts Bullard on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. with the girls match at 5:30 p.m.