Nitros still in rebuild mode

SOUTHEAST GLENDALE — Accustomed to CIF playoff success in recent seasons, Glendale High’s girls’ water polo team has been forced into the role of rebuilding this year.

Hence, while Glendale has fallen upon struggles as of late, Pasadena has forged its way into the Pacific League hierarchy.

On Wednesday, the Bulldogs clinched a spot in the postseason, while the Nitros continued to build for the future, as Pasadena prevailed, 9-6, at Glendale High.

“It’s real tough when you look at win-loss record, but we’re progressing,” said Glendale Coach Bob Zirovich. “Pasadena’s much-improved. I’m happy for them.”

The Bulldogs (14-5, 4-2 in league) found themselves the beneficiaries of dreadful showings from the Nitros in both the first and third periods.

“Especially in the first quarter,” said Zirovich, whose team had just one shot in the first period, as every other possession resulted in either a shot clock violation or a turnover. “It’s tough to run an offense like that.”

Glendale was shut out in both the first and third stanzas.

Still, Pasadena led just 2-0 after the first, despite taking eight shots.

“We got lucky,” Zirovich said. “They hit a lot of bars.”

Glendale’s Arpineh Ohanian scored the first of her team-best three goals with 3:50 left in the first half to get the Nitros on the board. She scored one more in the period before Ji Hyun Lee scored twice in a minute-span off of assists from Anais Khadiryan and Katren Ter-Oganesyan to bring the score to 6-4 at the half.

Pasadena, which never trailed, saw its lead dwindle to 7-6 when Glendale’s Anabel Beiki scored off a Milene Minassians pass and Ohanian scored off a Lee assist with 2:54 left in the match.

Consecutive Pasadena goals ended the rally, however.

“It’s nice to see the Glendale girls have improved over the season,” Zirovich said, “but obviously not enough for today.”