The Ponderosa (Shingle Springs, CA) varsity water polo team will play a neutral playoff game against Christian Brothers (Sacramento, CA) today at 11:30 AM. This match is part of the “2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Girls Water Polo Playoffs – Division 3” tournament.
Christian Brothers vs Ponderosa Water Polo Game Info:
What: California High School Water Polo
Who: Christian Brothers vs Ponderosa
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 11:30 AM
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Game preview: Christian Brothers vs Ponderosa
As the 2024-25 high school water polo season continues to heat up, a thrilling neutral-site playoff match is on the horizon between the Christian Brothers Falcons and the Ponderosa Bruins. With both teams having strong performances throughout the season, this matchup is set to be a nail-biting contest between two of the region’s top water polo teams.
Season Overview
Christian Brothers (24-25):
Christian Brothers has had a remarkable season with an overall record of 20-8 and a solid league performance of 4-2. The Falcons have shown offensive strength, scoring an impressive 248 goals throughout the season, averaging 8.9 goals per game. Defensively, they have a robust team with 170 goals allowed, providing a goal differential of +78. Their standout player, Anna Potter, has led the team with 65 goals and 156 shots on the season. Christian Brothers has excelled in both home and neutral games, posting a perfect 5-0 record at home and a 3-3 mark in neutral-site matches.
Ponderosa (24-25):
Ponderosa has had a more mixed season with a 12-11 overall record, finishing 3-2 in league play. While their performance at home (4-2) has been solid, the Bruins have struggled on the road with a 1-5 record. Ponderosa has scored 166 goals and allowed 177, with a slightly lower scoring average of 7.2 goals per game. Leading the charge for the Bruins is Madilynn Chapman, who has netted 52 goals and contributed 122 shots. Ponderosa’s defensive efforts have been led by Ryann Nystrom, whose 4.7 goals-against average shows solid goaltending ability.
Recent Head-to-Head Battles
In recent matchups, Christian Brothers has emerged victorious over Ponderosa, winning both encounters earlier this season. On October 8th, Christian Brothers won 4-2 in a close league game, where the Falcons made a strong second-half push to secure the victory. Just nine days later, on October 17th, the Falcons won again, this time by a narrow 5-4 margin. Christian Brothers’ ability to come through in tight situations will be a crucial factor as they look to extend their dominance over Ponderosa in the upcoming playoff game.
Team Stat Comparison
Looking at the statistics, Christian Brothers leads in nearly every major category. They have scored 251 goals compared to Ponderosa’s 148 and have more assists (103 to 108) and steals (266 to 181). The Bruins will need to tighten their defense and improve their offensive output to challenge Christian Brothers, especially given the Falcons’ superior goal-scoring capabilities. The goalkeeping battle could be pivotal, with Ponderosa’s Nystrom posting a solid 4.7 goals-against average, but still behind the overall team goals-against average of 9.0 for the Bruins.
Key Players to Watch
- Anna Potter (Christian Brothers): Potter’s offensive explosion has been the driving force behind the Falcons’ success this season. Her 65 goals and 156 shots make her a formidable threat in any match.
- Madilynn Chapman (Ponderosa): Chapman will need to continue her impressive play for Ponderosa to have a chance. With 52 goals and 122 shots, she is capable of putting pressure on Christian Brothers’ defense.
- Ryann Nystrom (Ponderosa): Nystrom’s defensive performance will be crucial for the Bruins. With a goals-against average of 4.7, she will need to have a standout performance to keep her team in the game.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, including powerhouses like El Camino, Bella Vista, and Rio Americano. Christian Brothers has a 10-4 record against these common opponents, while Ponderosa holds a 10-5 record. This shows that both teams are evenly matched when facing similar competition, but Christian Brothers’ stronger overall performance indicates they may have the upper hand in this matchup.
Game Preview
The stage is set for what promises to be an exciting playoff showdown. Christian Brothers enters the game as the favorites with a better overall record and a more potent offense. However, Ponderosa has shown resilience throughout the season, and with key players like Chapman and Nystrom, they will look to pull off an upset. The Falcons will need to keep their offensive machine running while maintaining their solid defense to ensure they move on to the next round.
With the game scheduled for 11:30 AM today at a neutral site, both teams will be looking to make their mark in what could be a thrilling conclusion to their seasons. Fans of both teams will be watching eagerly to see who will emerge victorious and continue their playoff journey.
