Portola’s historic run ends with loss to Marlborough in CIF Division 4 semifinals

Portola Coach Veronica Heidke talks to her players at halftime Wednesday. (Photo: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

An historic season came to an end Wednesday for Portola High School’s girls water polo team.

The Bulldogs, who reached the CIF playoffs for the first time in school history, lost to Marlborough 7-5 in the 4A semifinals at Portola.

“At the end of the day both teams were good, the better team won,” said Portola Coach Veronica Heidke. “The girls worked their hardest, I’m proud of them no matter what. This was an historic season for Portola, we made it farther than we’ve ever made it before.”

Marlborough built a 5-2 lead at halftime and led 7-2 going into the final quarter.

“We held it in the fourth quarter, we won that quarter,” Heidke said. “That’s all I asked of them, finish strong in the last quarter and we did it. I’m proud of them. I wanted to hold them to no goals in the fourth quarter and the girls did it.”

Portola (18-6) made it close outscoring the visitors 3-0 in the final stanza. Senior Emma Amakasu led Portola with four goals, including the first two of the match. Maya McGuane had the other goal for Portola.

Heidke added that Andrea Ruiz won the sprint in the fourth quarter and “Lexi Minasyan had some amazing steals.”

“They never stopped fighting, all of them, that’s the biggest thing,” the coach said.

Marlborough was led by Rhiannon Kraft, who had four goals.

“It’s fuel for next year, we want to win it even more next year,” Heidke said.

Marlborough advances into the CIF finals on Saturday.

Portola defeated Palm Desert 12-6,Temescal Canyon 12-11 and Flintridge Sacred Heart 12-11 to reach the semifinals.