10 SportSDec. 21, 2012

Iliad

ADAM PETERSENStaff Writer

Titan Basketball Tames the Tigers In their second consecutive win, the Poway Titans defeat-

ed the San Jacinto Tigers 75 to 58. It was a very important victory for the team after a few disappointing losses at the beginning of the season.

Guard Tyler Green led the Titans with 27 points, while point guard Tommy Erb was right behind him with 19 of his own. Forward Dalton Soffer also contributed an impressive performance with 17 points.

Overall, it was an encouraging night for the entire team who proved with their performance that they have what it takes to compete.

“We are a young team that has had to work through some injuries and changes. We may not be the most talented team out there, but we can win with heart and hustle,” center Zach Salafia said. “We are finally starting to meld together as a team and our performance is improving because of it. Once league play starts, I believe that we will be right there to com-pete for the top spot.”

Head Coach Aaron Little was very impressed by his team’s win. “Our performance was definitely one of our most com-plete of the year,” Little said.

The game was tougher than the score indicated. A player was even ejected during the matchup.

“It was a tough and physical game, but we stuck together as a team and came out on top,” guard Matt Robinson said.

The start to the season has not been an easy one for the Titans. They have been hit hard by some serious injuries, and because of that, taken some tough losses.

Saturday’s win over San Jacinto is a huge step for the team in their uphill climb this season and improved their record to 3 wins and 7 losses. Despite the early struggles, it is far from too late for the team. They have not even begun league play yet, which is what really counts in the end.

Coach Little hopes that the win will rejuvenate the team’s spirits and bring in a wave of positive momentum. “After numerous injuries, defections and illnesses, our momentum is finally going in a very positive direction,” Little said.

The team is beginning the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic tournament at Rancho Bernardo High School Dec. 26.

Girls’ soccer shoots Freshman excels on varsity girls’ soccer

A coveted position on Poway’s varsity soccer team is usually achieved through two phases: freshman team and junior varsity. Freshman Tea Carrillo skipped both of these steps and went straight for the top by being chosen to play on the varsity team her first year at Poway.

Carrillo has been playing soccer for eight years, beginning when she was only six years old.

Carrillo accredits her passion for soccer to her father. “My dad used to play this sport and introduced it to me…I haven’t stopped playing since,” Carrillo said. She enjoys playing soccer more than anything and could not wait to begin playing on Poway High’s Varsity soccer team; however, according to Carrillo, on Nov. 24 she injured her leg from being slid tackled from behind during club soccer before high school soccer began, resulting in her being out of the season for 12 weeks.

“We look forward to seeing her play after her recovery so that she can get on the field and show us her skills.” Assistant Coach Nikki Petracca said

Carrillo plays outside defender, carrying the ball down to midfield and starting the attack in each game.

“Carrillo’s fitness/ speed stood out the most. I think Tea will make a big impact on our team. She is a great player and is also a great person which helps our team chemistry,” senior Courtney McCandless said.

Carrillo still helps out even though she is injured. “She is at every practice and every team function and brings positivity to the team vibe. We are so lucky to have her on the team even though she is injured.” Nikki said.

but doesn’t score

The Bishop’s School beat Poway 2-0 last Thursday, Dec. 13, in a shutout hardly indica-tive of the game. With a 2-4 record, Poway had something to prove. They may not have brought home the win, but they reminded us that they can play well.

Going into the game, Poway was unconcerned. “We underestimated the team,” junior Jessica Bernal said. Missing team captain, Harvard-bound athlete Maura Duggan, the team was at a loss.

Low expectations translated into a low level of play. “We lacked energy,” senior forward Courtney McCandless said.

On one play the defensive dove in, but was quickly outrun by the Bishop’s player, who got a shot off before sophomore goalie Allie Seifert could block it.

“The other team wanted it more than us,” senior Kelly Hoffman said.The second half was much different. Poway, led by senior Jamie McCandless, dominated

the play, maintaining possession and getting countless shots off. However, none of the at-tempts reached the back of the net, as they were missed by mere inches.

Despite Poway dominance, the Knights snuck in a second goal. The ball was passed over the heads of the defenders to a Bishop’s forwards who had a one-on-one opportunity with the goalie.

Despite the loss, spirits are not broken. “The score did not reflect the game in my opin-ion,” Courtney McCandless added.

The team may not be winning, but they are playing well. “We are working hard and will be ready to go for our league games!” Courtney finished.

PATRICK CUNNINGHAMStaff WriterWILL SMITHERS

Associate Editor