The Davis Sr. (Davis, CA) varsity water polo team will play a home playoff game against Merced (CA) today at 5 p.m. at American River College. This match is part of the 2024 CIF NorCal Girls Water Polo Championships – Division II tournament.

Merced vs Davis Sr. Water Polo Game Info:

What: California High School Water Polo
Who: Merced vs Davis Sr.
When: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Time: 5 p.m.
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Game preview: Merced vs Davis Sr.

As the 2024-2025 high school girls’ water polo season heats up, Merced and Davis Senior (Davis Sr.) stand out as two of the top contenders in California. Both teams have enjoyed impressive records this season and are gearing up for intense matchups, as they look to secure their spot in the playoffs. With a combination of individual brilliance and cohesive team play, Merced and Davis Sr. bring a high level of competitive spirit to the sport.

Team Records and Rankings

Merced, with a dominant 25-2 overall record, has been a powerhouse in both league and non-league games. Their 9-1 league record and undefeated 10-0 performance in neutral-site games highlight their strength. With a goal-scoring average of 13.7 goals per game, they’ve proven to be a formidable opponent on both offense and defense, scoring 369 goals while allowing just 133 against them. Their efficiency and consistency are reflected in their impressive .926 win percentage and .900 league percentage.

Davis Sr., on the other hand, holds a 23-10 overall record with a 11-1 league standing, demonstrating their own dominance in the section. With a slightly lower goal-scoring average of 12.8 goals per game, the team still poses a serious challenge, having scored 423 goals and allowed 209 this season. Their .697 win percentage and .917 league percentage further highlight their competitive nature.

Key Players

Merced’s standout player, Dorothy Drury, has been a key contributor to their success. She leads the team with 80 goals, 62 assists, and 118 shots, making her a significant offensive force. Defensively, Sarah Slocum stands out with 92 steals, offering a well-rounded game both in transition and on defense.

For Davis Sr., Addie Sinclair has been the team’s offensive leader with 93 goals and 180 shots this season. Her scoring ability has been crucial to their success. Additionally, Aiva Mann has contributed 47 assists, and Katie Tapio leads the team with 50 steals, providing solid defensive support to complement their offensive output.

Scoring Trends

Merced’s scoring is balanced throughout the game, with their strongest periods coming in the first two quarters, averaging 3.6 goals in Q1 and 3.7 in Q2. However, they tend to slow down slightly in the second half, averaging 2.5 goals in Q4. Davis Sr. is more dynamic in their scoring, particularly in the latter half of the game, as evidenced by their 4.0 goal average in Q4. The combination of a fast start and late-game surge makes Davis Sr. a team that can adapt and finish strong when needed.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Both teams have dominated against common opponents this season. Merced and Davis Sr. have faced teams like Pitman, St. Francis, and Rio Americano, all with positive outcomes. Merced boasts a 3-0 record against these common opponents, while Davis Sr. has a 4-0 record, further adding to the anticipation of a potential showdown.

Notable matchups include Merced’s 13-2 victory over Pitman on September 28th and 11-5 win over St. Francis on October 12th. Similarly, Davis Sr. defeated Pitman 20-1 and St. Francis 20-4, showcasing their explosive offensive power.

Playoff Outlook

As the season nears the postseason, both teams are gearing up for high-pressure games, with their records and playoff potential on the line. Merced’s ability to dominate on home turf (8-1 at home) and their undefeated neutral-site record (10-0) gives them a significant advantage. Davis Sr., with a 4-1 playoff record, will aim to continue their momentum and push toward a title.

With both teams showing strong form and deep talent, the upcoming games between Merced and Davis Sr. promise to be high-energy affairs that will surely be a highlight of the season.

Conclusion

Merced and Davis Sr. are poised to make a deep run in the California girls’ water polo playoffs. Their impressive team statistics, standout individual players, and head-to-head performances against common opponents set the stage for an exciting and competitive remainder of the season. Fans of high school water polo should be watching closely, as these two teams are ready to deliver unforgettable performances on their journey to a state championship.