Coyotes blocked from advancing

Tyler Takeda/The Madera Tribune

Madera’s Dylan Carlson rises up to look for a shot during Tuesday’s playoff loss to Pioneer Valley in the first-round of the Central Section Div. III playoffs. Carlson scored two goals in the 8-5 loss.

---

A year removed from advancing to the Central Section Div. III championship game, the Madera Coyotes boys water polo team was hoping for a similar run this season.

However, the Pioneer Valley Panthers came to the McAlister Aquatics Complex and blocked their way to an 8-5 victory Tuesday evening. The Coyotes scored four goals in the third period, but had many shots blocked, not by just the Panthers’ goalie, but by field players, as well.

Dylan Carlson led the Coyotes with two goals, including the first of the match. Will Clark, Bobby Criado and Damian Bispham also scored goals.