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The Hood River Valley girls water polo team won their third consecutive Oregon Class 5A state championship last weekend at the Juniper Aquatic…
HOOD RIVER — The Hood River Valley girls’ water polo team won their third state championship in a row last weekend at the Juniper Aquatic Center in Bend, Oregon in front of a large crowd of vocal supporters. After a first round bye on Friday, the Eagles cruised to an easy win over Hillsboro in the semi-finals on Saturday morning, 20-4.
“Going in with the No. 1 seed puts a huge target on our backs, but this team really understood that a state championship is never given, but earned, so they really fought to finish on top,” said head coach Kellie Dunn.
Hood River faced last year’s runner up West Albany in the championship game Saturday afternoon. The teams looked evenly matched at the start of play, ending the first quarter tied 3-3 and the second quarter tied 6-6. Thanks to some incredible saves by senior goalkeeper Kikyo Hawkins and a strong offensive push, the Eagles ended the third quarter up 11-6.
Hood River then found themselves in an unusual position of foul trouble with two key players out late in the game. West Albany mounted a comeback effort in the fourth quarter, closing to within two goals with two minutes left to play. A strategic timeout allowed the Eagles to refocus and take charge, scoring two quick goals in succession to end the game 15-11. The well-balanced Hood River team spread out goal production with Kylin Elliot, Tess Marsden, and Olivie Riek each scoring three goals; Sophie Cross and Heredia Merida each scoring two; and Mackenzie Thurner and Maya Arndt adding a goal each.
“Going into the game, we knew it would be a tough battle and that the score would be tight,” said Dunn. “I always tell the team that they need to trust the process and dig deep. They were truly the deeper, better conditioned, and smarter team — that made the difference in the end.”
This state championship win caps off a strong season and an unprecedented run of three championships in a row for the Eagles. Senior Kylin Elliot feels that this championship is different “because it was my last chance to play for such an amazing team with such awesome players and coaches.” Senior Sophie Cross adds “this team is special because we are so bonded. The seniors have been playing together since right after COVID, so we know each other and how we play incredibly well. Everyone on the team is so inclusive and kind so no one is left out, and everyone feels like they’re part of a team.”
Hood River ended the season with Kykio Hawkins, Sophie Cross, Tess Marsden, and Kylin Elliot making first team all-state; Mackenzie Thurner on second team all-state; and Maya Arndt honorable mention.
A championship parade is tenatively being planned for Saturday. More details on parade to come.
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