CARLSBAD ESCAPES NORTH BEACH 5-3

CORONADO, Calif. – Kaitlin Mackle scored three times, including twice in a climatic third period, as Carlsbad knocked off North Beach 5-3 in the girls' 18-and-under bracket at the National State Challenge sponsored by American Water Polo.

Leading 2-1 entering the third period after posting two goals in the opening quarter, Carlsbad regained a two goal lead as Carley Estrada fired in a shot at the 4:59 mark. North Beach's Ellis O'Connor responded 25 seconds later to shave the margin down to a single tally, but Mackle ignited the Carlsbad offense with scores at 4:19 and 12 seconds to stake her squad to a 5-2 advantage.

The lead, combined with Carlsbad's defense, was too much for North Beach to overcome as the team could only muster a successful blast from the hand of Cheyenne Montijo with 3:44 to play over the final six minutes of play.