LA CRESCENTA — The Crescenta Valley High girls' water polo team picked up Pacific League play right where it left off last year, getting all it could handle from a feisty Pasadena squad.
After pulling away in the fourth quarter to close out last year's league championship with a four-goal victory over the Bulldogs in the league tournament finale, the Falcons drew a rematch in their league opener at home on Wednesday and were faced with an even tougher challenge, narrowly escaping with an 8-7 win.
"We told the girls everyone will be gunning for you, so you've got to respect everyone you come across," said Falcons Coach Pete Loporchio, whose team (13-2) is ranked fourth in CIF Southern Section Division V. "[The Bulldogs] bring out the best in both teams in terms of that rivalry. …They come ready to play."
Christine Cho led the Falcons with two goals, including the go-ahead tally with 5:36 remaining in the fourth quarter, and Stefanie Loporchio's insurance goal with 2:45 to go proved to be huge when Samantha Thompson scored with 1:14 left to pull Pasadena back within one goal.