Saratoga News

Sports

Pance pops in 20 goals as Saratoga nails 2nd in Independence tourney

By Dick Sparrer

It wasn't the way the Saratoga water polo players wanted the week to start, and it wasn't exactly the way they wanted it to finish. But in between, the Falcons managed to put things together to secure a second-place finish at the Independence Tournament last weekend.

The Falcons lost tough 12-9 decision to Monta Vista in a game in the De Anza Division of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League to open the week, but then reeled off three straight victories at Independence to reach the tournament finals. But Saratoga dropped that title game 9-8 to Salinas to settle for second place.

Marko Pance pitched in 20 goals in four games to lead the Falcons to the team second in the tourney. Saratoga opened with wins over Homestead 10-6, Harbor 10-4 and Santa Cruz 8-7 before falling to Salinas.

Pance finished with six goals to help pace the Falcons to the win over the Mustangs in the tourney opener. Brad Rollinson supported with two goals and Matt Murray and Ryan Hinshaw added one each.

Pance was the leader in game two with five goals and R. Hinshaw tossed in two. Ben Hinshaw, Rollinson and Myles Hornberger also had goals in the win.

In the semifinals against Santa Cruz, Pance popped three goals and Michael Byrne added two in the 8-7 Saratoga victory. R. Hinshaw, Rollinson and Hornberger also scored.

Pance had the hot hand again with six goals against Salinas, but the Falcons lost 9-8 in the tourney title game. Rollinson and Zac Vidlock also had goals for Saratoga.

In league play against Monta Vista last week, B. Hinshaw had two goals and Byrne, Pance, Rollinson, Vidlock, R. Hinshaw, Hornberger and Murray added one each, but the Falcons lost 12-9 to the Matadors.

The Falcons hit the road this week to visit Los Gatos on Oct. 4, 7 p.m.