Hillers take SD Open crown, GHL up next

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: January 29, 2023

2022-23 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS WATER POLO

ECS staff report

FLETCHER HILLS – A weekend on the brink of disaster completed a 180-degree turnaround for the Grossmont High girls water polo team.

One match away from clinching an outright Grossmont Hills League championship the Foothillers were wiped out by Helix, 14-6, leaving the possibility of a 3-way deadlock for the title between the clubs and Valhalla.

During pool playt, the Fallbrook goalie makes a solid stop / Photo by Nick Pellegrino

However, Grossmont bounced back over the weekend, easily downing Scripps Ranch, 12-3, to capture their group, then rallying late to stun powerful El Camino, 8-7, to claim the championship of the San Diego Open tournament.

El Camino, which defeated Helix and Valhalla in pool play, held a 7-6 lead through three periods, only to watch the Hillers registered a pair of unanswered goals in the fourth period to win.

Grossmont can still claim an outright GHL crown, but only if they sweep both of next week’s matches to cap the regular season. The Hillers travel to Granite Hills on Tuesday, then host Santana at their own tank in Thursday’s finale. Both are slated for 6 p.m.