BURBANK HIGH — The Burbank High girls' water polo team took pride in hosting its CIF Southern Section Division IV first-round playoff match Tuesday against Westridge.
It was the first time in program history the Bulldogs hosted a postseason contest.
That pride was amplified significantly when Burbank won its first-ever playoff match, downing Westridge, 13-3.
"I'm really happy for the girls, especially for the seniors who have been in the program for four years," said Burbank Coach Carlos Pelayo, whose team finished second in the Pacific League. "The girls really deserve this."
The win puts the Bulldogs (21-8) into the second round against a tough opponent. Burbank will travel to Harvard-Westlake — ranked No. 5 in the division — for a 3:15 p.m. Friday match. The Wolverines (12-6) had a first-round bye.
"We know that HarvardWestlake is a very good team," Pelayo said. "But one good thing for us is that their pool is very similar to ours.
"We played some good teams in the Pacific League, so I'm hoping that will help us Friday."
The Bulldogs used a stingy defense to take care of Westridge, which finished third in the Prep League. Burbank constantly hounded the Tigers (15-8) shooters, coming up with 25 steals.
Burbank did, however, get off to a shaky start. The Bulldogs held just a 2-1 lead after the first quarter in what Pelayo chalked up to opening-playoff nerves.
After the first quarter the Bulldogs were able to settle down and get into their rhythm.
It helped the locals that the Tigers had trouble getting off any shots close to the cage. Westridge was able to convert just one of seven shots in the second quarter and none of five in the third.
Burbank, on the other hand, scored three goals on its first four shots of the third quarter and on two of its first three in the fourth.
The Burbank offense was paced by Amber Ullo, who had three goals. Teammates Alex O'Connor, Ani Shirinian and Katherine Lees had two goals each. Paula Moren, Sara Puranan, Jordan Meier and Elin Karamian added a goal each.
The Bulldogs were also bolstered by a fine performance by goalkeeper LaChee Singleton. Along with 12 saves, she also blocked two five-meter shots.
