Indians fall in first round

tullyBurroughs doesn't have enough to knock off Dana Hills in 14-4 wild-card loss.BURBANK -- It was an accomplishment for the Burroughs High girls' water polo team just to make the CIF Southern Section Division I postseason.

The team's coach stepped down early into the season and the Indians were afforded only a handful of nonleague matches, which gave them little experience prior to Almont League play.

Although Burroughs was defeated, 14-4, Tuesday in a wild-card match at Dana Hills -- ending its season -- Coach Carlos Ponce has nothing but praise for a group of players who have come together as a team.

"These girls have been through a lot, and they have never given up," he said. "I give them a lot of credit for coming and practicing every day and giving everything they have to the program.

"I can't imagine how much better this team could have been if only we had more games to play during the season."

Burroughs played a very fine half, and only trailed, 4-2, on two goals by senior Liz Seward.

Senior Bailey Porter added two goals in the fourth quarter.

In goal, Carly Delaplane -- under constant pressure -- made 11 saves.

The Indians (5-7) qualified for the postseason after finishing third in league behind Burbank and champion Montebello.

Dana Hills (18-3) came into the postseason after finishing third in the tough South Coast League.

"Our girls have nothing to be ashamed of by losing to team this good by only 10 goals," Ponce said. "We put up a good fight

"And the way we played in the first half was great. I told the girls at halftime that they were right there."