Indians not able to get by Falcons

BURROUGHS HIGH — Unrelenting rain, bitter cold nor Burroughs High could slow down the Crescenta Valley girls’ water polo team as it continued its unbeaten run through the Pacific League.

Paced by Keri Kunkel’s five goals and a tenacious defense, the Falcons continued their run to a fifth straight league title with a resounding 14-3 win against the Indians on a chilly Thursday afternoon at Burroughs High.

“Playing in a steady downpour, you have to focus a little more — that’s the nature of a winter sport,” said Crescenta Valley Coach Pete Loporchio, whose team never seemed to lose focus, jumping out to an insurmountable 8-0 advantage. “I think we’re playing very consistent.”

As the Falcons (15-5, 5-0 in league) continue to drive forward, the Indians (7-9, 2-3) persist in their rebuilding process.

“That’s all we’re trying to do is improve,” Burroughs Coach Carlos Ponce said, “because we’re a growing program.

“CV looked very good. They took advantage of our mistakes, that’s the sign of a good team.”

A stifling defense is another sign and Burroughs wasn’t able to crack the Crescenta Valley defense until 14:36 had passed, as Lauren Steffey scored the first of her two goals with 6:24 left in the third quarter to make it 8-1.

That was as close as it would get. Joanna LeBrun’s goal for Burroughs made it 10-2, but the Indians wouldn’t get any closer thereafter.

Any worries of a letdown for the Falcons after having defeated Glendale and Burbank in its previous two league contests were ill-founded, as Crescenta Valley was crisp from the get-go, scoring four goals in the first and second quarter and allowing just two Burroughs shots.

Kelly Anderson had three goals for the Falcons.

Playing a lot has been something the Falcons are growing accustomed to.

After last week’s Glendale match, they played La Serna over the weekend before playing Burbank on Tuesday and Burroughs Thursday.

For the Indians, their sites are set on their showdown next week with archrival Burbank.

“Everyone’s gonna count us out, again,” Ponce said. “Every-one thinks we’re gonna lose by a lot, again. And we feed off that.”