Pumas make quick work of Hemet as teams tune up

BY ALLAN STEELE

HEMET — The Temecula Chaparral girls water polo team is fast. Hemet is young and relatively inexperienced. That proved a tough combination for the Bulldogs in a nonleague match on Wednesday afternoon.

With a 12-6 victory, Chaparral improved to 9-2, but more importantly for Pumas coach Josh Stone, the match proved a good steppingstone for what will likely be another grueling Southwestern League battle starting next week.

“I’d say we’ve exceeded expectations,” said Stone, noting that his squad returned just two varsity starters but is playing well as league play approaches.

Hemet’s first-year coach Alexis Wilson isn’t worried about results, either. Not yet. After capturing a CIF-SS title last season and losing a strong senior class to graduation, the Bulldogs are in rebuilding mode. Every day is a learning experience for the young players and the new coach.

“There are some big shoes to fill and they’re not quite ready yet,” Wilson said. “Some games they step up, today wasn’t their best game.”

Fueled by its speedy counter attack, Chaparral jumped out to an early lead. Hemet couldn’t contain Puma senior Tayleur Hodges, who finished with four goals, including two easy breakaway scores on counters in the first period.

Chaparral led 6-3 at the half and padded its lead in the second half.

“We just need more time to build and we are building and definitely improving,” Wilson said.

The Bulldogs (6-7) may have turned a corner during Christmas break, Wilson said. The team practiced four hours a day, with the only break coming on Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

“They really showed their dedication, and it’s starting to show,” she said.

For the returning Hemet players, the reality of a rebuilding season set in early.

“It does take a lot of patience,” said senior Whitney Price, who didn’t start last year, but is a key player and a captain this season.

“I think we are improving a lot,” she said. “We still have some things to work on. … We have to work on our confidence to make sure everyone knows what’s going on in the game. We do have a lot of young starters but they’re improving.”

Hemet junior Jessica Cripe led the team with a pair of goals. Abby Johnson and Nikki Robinson each scored twice for the Pumas.

Follow Allan Steele on Twitter at @asteele12000