The San Marcos High School girls’ water polo team achieved a historic milestone by securing a spot in the CIF-SS Open Division semifinals for the first time. This accomplishment was driven by a remarkable performance from senior standout Charlotte Raisin, who scored eight goals and contributed two assists in a convincing 17-11 victory over Corona del Mar at Santa Barbara High on March 15, 2024.
The Royals are now set to face top-ranked Mater Dei on March 20, 2024, at the Woollett Aquatics Center in Irvine. Coach Chuckie Roth praised Raisin’s leadership and performance, stating, “She is playing in really special form right now with a lot of confidence, and it has been pretty awesome to see her evolve into the leader in the pool and out of the pool.” This match marked Roth’s final home game as head coach of the program.
Raisin’s Dominance on Both Ends of the Pool
Raisin’s impact was felt on both offense and defense, as she not only scored but also disrupted the opponent’s strategies with her aggressive defensive play. The San Marcos defense recorded a total of ten steals, many of which led to quick transition goals. Raisin has been a key player throughout the postseason, previously scoring ten goals in a playoff win against Long Beach Wilson.
“The fact that we’ve beaten Orange Lutheran and Long Beach Wilson and now we’re in the semifinals is just awesome and a great way to end my senior year,” Raisin said.
While Raisin shone as a top performer, San Marcos demonstrated a balanced team effort. Defender Lily Brodofsky anchored the defense, while Jade Pattison contributed four goals, becoming the team’s second-leading scorer. Additionally, goalkeeper Bethany King, who transitioned from field player to goalie two seasons ago, provided crucial support in net.
Coach Roth highlighted King’s unselfishness, noting, “She is the most unselfish person that I’ve ever coached. To see her sacrifice her field time and what she has done her whole life to see her team have success, that’s one of the special things about sports.” King’s efforts were vital in maintaining the team’s momentum during critical moments of the match.
Game Highlights and Future Prospects
The match began with Corona del Mar taking an early lead by scoring two quick goals. However, San Marcos quickly regrouped and seized control of the game. Raisin led a surge that propelled the Royals to a 9-4 lead by halftime, showcasing her ability to anticipate plays and capitalize on mistakes.
In the second half, San Marcos continued to build on its advantage, with contributions from teammates such as Sophie Yonker. Raisin capped her standout performance with a series of highlight moments, including a crucial steal that led to a transition goal late in the fourth quarter.
Reflecting on her time with the team, Raisin expressed pride in their growth and achievements. “I just think our team has improved so much and I am so proud of them,” she stated.
As the Royals prepare for their semifinal match against Mater Dei, they carry the momentum of their historic journey, energized by the contributions of their players and the leadership of their coach. This upcoming challenge represents not only a chance for victory but also an opportunity to solidify their place in the history of San Marcos High School water polo.
