Panthers edge Marauders for tourney title

Saturday’s championship showdown of the Monache girls water polo tournament brought a hint of the future spectacular clashes Monache and Porterville will likely display, starting with tonight’s rematch at Monache.

Cori Ann Snyder scored five goals to lead her Panthers past Monache, 9-6, for the title and earned first-team all-tournament honors.

Kyla Hill scored three goals — also earning first-team honors — and Matlyn Morris added one for Porterville, which went 4-0 during the two-day tournament.

Monache swept its first three opponents, including semi-finalist Sanger on Saturday, 5-0, though the game was technically a forfeit since Sanger was one girl short.

Monache also beat Mt. Whitney and Porterville’s JV squad on Friday. Porterville’s varsity, in turn, beat Monache’s JV squad. Both JV squads entered after two original participants backed out of the tourney. Instead, ten teams showed up.

Mary Crocker, Ally Bernard and Amanda Kaye each scored two goals in the finals against the Panthers, which was tied with about two minutes remaining.

Monache coach Ryan Atchley said the game was a bit closer than the score would indicate and is looking forward to tonight’s second episode.

“Cori Ann dominated for a bit,” he said, “but our girls responded.”

The two square off at Monache at 5:30 p.m. today.