Pirates defense catches up to offense

OCC women’s water poloThe Orange Coast women’s water polo team is surging as it swims toward the postseason.COSTA MESA -- The Orange Coast College women’s water polo team is coming on strong at the right time.

After downing Cypress, 12-2, Wednesday in an Orange Empire Conference game, the Pirates are on a six-game winning streak.

Orange Coast (16-5 overall, 4-1 in conference) went into the contest tied for first place in conference. With the victory, the Pirates will be no worse than tied for first when they play Riverside on Oct. 26.

Riverside, along with Golden West, was tied with Orange Coast for first in conference going into Wednesday’s matches.

Before that showdown, the Pirates play in the Long Beach tournament Oct. 21 and 22. The Orange Empire Conference tournament follows, then the Pirates -- ranked No. 3 in the state -- prepare for the Southern California Championships on Nov. 11 and 12 with hopes of reaching the state tournament in Fresno Nov. 18 and 19.

The Pirates like their chances because they are coming together as a team of late.

“The biggest thing is the girls’ attitude,” assistant coach Jeff Colton said. “They show up, have fun and work hard. Finishing strong is our primary focus -- things are starting to fit together.”

Orange Coast’s improved defense is one reason why the team is on a hot streak. The Pirates are playing a more team-oriented defense that focuses on stopping the opponent’s driver and forcing the offense toward other defenders.

“Our top priority right now is our new defense,” Pirates Coach Don Watson said. “And I’m very pleased with how the gals are implementing it.”

Leading the defensive effort is Newport Harbor High graduate Sarah Mutt, a freshman two-meter slot player who also is an offensive force. Mutt scored three goals Wednesday against Cypress.

“She helps initiate our defensive strength,” Colton said. “She has a lot of experience coming from such a successful high school program.”

The Pirates jumped on the Chargers early and often Wednesday. Sophomore two-meter player Jeanette DeMeneces netted the game’s first three goals, the third on a backhand from the slot to give the Pirates a 3-0 lead with 2:44 left in the first quarter.

Laura DeMeneces and Dena DeBerry added goals to give the Pirates a 5-0 lead after one quarter.

Orange Coast continued to dominate, and took an 8-0 lead when Mutt scored off a pass from Laura DeMeneces.

Jeanette DeMeneces, the team’s top goal scorer this season, led the way with five goals, Mutt tallied three goals and Laura DeMeneces added two goals.

Orange Coast -- never in danger of losing -- played four different goalkeepers. Katherine Anderson, Brittany Tatem, Domenique Armendariz and Candace Vansuch all saw action between the pipes. Between them, they only faced seven shots on goal.

“All six players are helping each other on defense, so we are able to double team a lot,” Colton said. “Our defense is better than it was in the beginning of the season as far as everyone playing on the same page.”

Orange Coast Conference

Orange Coast 12, Cypress 2

Score by Quarters