Poloists get tough, roll over Shorewood

A rowdy crowd at the home pool boosts the girls to an 8-1 victory.

Bainbridge girls water polo got tough in two physical matches, including an 8-1 win over Shorewood Friday, in a Ray Williamson pool lined with vocal spectators.

But it didn’t stop there, as they hit the road Monday for a three-goal victory at Mercer Island, in the first of three tough matches to close out the season.

Inspired by a team meeting, Bainbridge performed at their highest level of the season, ramping up for the postseason tournament Memorial Day weekend. In both wins, Bainbridge dug in defensively and did not allow a score until the fourth period.

“We wanted to increase the level of commitment, the drive,” goalkeeper Valerie MacKinnon said. “We talked about the team coming together more. Trying to enhance stepping it up at the right time.”

They dismantled a strong Shorewood side Friday, building a 7-0 lead until the solo goal in the final frame. While Anne Scott led with three goals, the spotlight was on the outstanding defensive play of Katie Hallett, unanimous choice among the girls as player of the game.

Typical was the final play as Shorewood, willing partners in the physical match, surged in front of the Bainbridge goal in the final seconds. From nowhere, Hallet rose in the middle like Rambo from swampwater to block the final shot attempt just four feet in front of MacKinnon.

“She played huge,” McKinnon said. “The whole team rallied for this win.”

Jen Heinlein, Heather Schuyler, Emma Lubovich each added a goal, while Chelsea Croxford scored two.

Bainbridge carried their focus into the game against Mercer Island, described by Erin Clune, as another grueling, physical test.

“As a team we had a good game. The girls were pretty physical,” Clune said. “But Lady Ray handled the pressure, and it showed in the outcome.”

With no scoring in the first quarter, Bainbridge made a run to 3-0 at halftime. Leading 4-0 to start the final period, they held on for the 5-2 win.

Scott tallied two, while Christie Russell, Hallett and Heather Schuyler each scored a goal.

Bainbridge, 6-1 in league play, face Sammamish Wednesday, before hosting Newport at the Ray at 3:20 p.m. Friday in their senior send-off.

Friday’s win put them in position to go after a repeat of last year’s state win. The Memorial Day Weekend grind that is the state meet begins May 27 at the King County Aquatic Center.