November 22, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Portola girls water polo team earns No. 1 CIF ranking after program’s best start

Portola has been led by (from left) Lexi Minasyan, Andi Ruiz and Emma Amakasu. (Photos courtesy Portola athletics).

Portola High School’s girls water polo team is ranked No. 1 in the CIF Divsion 4 poll this week after a recording a 12-3 mark.

“(It’s) our best record in program history,” said Coach Veronica Heidke.

Among the team’s wins was a 9-6 victory over Trabuco Hills.

“This was a huge success for us as they are a D3 team ranked well above us,” Heidke said.

The Bulldogs also placed third in the open division at the Saddleback Tournament, finishing 3-1 and took first in the platinum division at the Corona Christmas Invite, going 4-0.

The leading scorers are senior Emma Amakasu, 29 goals; junior Andi Ruiz, 27 goals; and freshman Lexi Minasyan, 26 goals. 

Ruiz scored six goals, a record for her, in a 12-5 Pacific Coast League victory over Northwood Tuesday.

The team is also getting strong defensive play from Minasyan, who leads the team with 66 steals and seven ejections.

To see the picture, click on the photo:

–Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com

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