Monday, December 01, 2008

By Richard T. Estrada
restrada@modbee.com

last updated: October 03, 2008 05:19:14 AM

OAKDALE -- There was no jumping into the pool or other delirious shows of emotion Tuesday after Modesto High's girls water polo team beat Oakdale 7-2 to remain perfect in the Modesto Metro Conference.

That might come next week, though, when the Panthers (6-0) visit Johansen (6-0) to decide first place. That match will close the first round of the double round-robin schedule, but its impact could me much more.

"We've never beaten Johansen, not that I know of, so everyone's excited about the match," said senior Erica Austin, who scored three goals to help beat the third-place Mustangs (4-2). "We've known Johansen is coming up, but we've tried not to look ahead."

The Panthers were on their game against Oakdale, as goalie Jackie Bobsen had more saves (three) than goals allowed. Oakdale didn't score in the first or third periods and struggled to stay with the faster Panthers.

"This pool has always jinxed us. We always struggle here, so it feels good to get out of here with this kind of win," said Austin, who hopes to attend Azusa Pacific University next fall. "They just started their program, so I'm hoping I can keep playing. The priority, though, is academics."

Austin carries a 3.8 GPA and is in Modesto's demanding International Baccalaureate program, designed to prepare students for the rigors of college. She hopes to major in nursing.

Before she dons her smock, though, she has more water polo to play for Modesto.

"It's been so much fun this year, because we've got a good group of seniors and the other girls make us work hard in practice," Austin said. "That's so important, being pushed in practice. It keeps us improving."

DAVIS 9, DOWNEY 7, at Davis -- Rylee Orozco scored six goals, leading the Spartans (1-5 MMC) to their first victory of the season, at the expense of the Knights. Davis goalkeeper Olivia Roberts had 15 saves.

PITMAN 10, TURLOCK 8, at Turlock -- Sierra Perry scored four goals, leading the Pride over the Bulldogs (4-1 CCC). It was Turlock's first CCC loss.

Boys Soccer

DOWNEY 5, ENOCHS 0, at Downey -- Nick Cash had a goal and an assist, leading the Knights (5-1-1 MMC) past the Eagles (1-4-2 MMC). Travis Mondragon scored on a bicycle kick for Downey.

JOHANSEN 2, DAVIS 1, at Davis -- Estevan Tinoco scored the winner on a penalty kick with about 12 minutes left as the Vikings (5-0-2 MMC) stopped the Spartans (1-4-2 MMC).

Johansen's Jose Luis Rodriguez scored the first goal, then Davis' Victor Pena tied it about 15 minutes into the second half. On an Edgar Lopez corner kick, Pena trapped the ball and volleyed it into the corner of the net.

CERES 7, SONORA 0, at Ceres -- The Bulldogs (8-2, 5-0 VOL) won their fourth game in a row via shutout, this one over the Wildcats. Luis Martinez and David Estrada each scored twice for Ceres.

PATTERSON 9, ORESTIMBA 0, at Patterson -- Twin brothers Gustavo and Cesar Molina combined for five goals and four assists, leading the Tigers (4-0-1 WAC) past the Warriors (2-4 WAC).

Boys Water Polo

TURLOCK 12, PITMAN 5, at Turlock -- The Bulldogs (4-1 CCC) showered Pride goalie Jeremy Day with shots and built a 5-2 halftime lead en route to the win over Pitman (2-3). Day made nine saves.

Volleyball

BEYER 3, DAVIS 1, at Davis -- Courtney Harden had 10 aces and seven blocks, leading the Patriots to a 25-13, 25-19, 25-27, 25-19 victory over the Spartans (2-4 MMC). Kasey Martinez had 12 kills and six digs for Beyer.

BUHACH COLONY 3, TURLOCK 0, at Buhach Colony -- The quick-working setter-hitter combo of Britney Gasper (18 assists) and Megan Callahan (15 kills) helped the Thunder (8-0, 4-0 CCC) sweep the Bulldogs (5-5, 1-3) 25-18, 25-15, 26-24.

RIPON CHRISTIAN 3, ESCALON 0, at Ripon Christian -- Candice Adema had 31 assists and five blocks as the Knights (4-2 TVL) handed a 25-11, 25-23, 25-18 defeat to the Cougars (4-2 TVL). The last time these teams played, Escalon beat Ripon Christian in three games.

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