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--> --> Oct. 7: Ashland boys water polo squad wins in OT By Larry Berteau Ashland Daily Tidings The Ashland High water polo club's three-year homepool winning streak was severely threatened Saturday at the Southern Oregon University tank. In a battle for supremacy in the Southern League, the Grizz fought through six ties and four lead changes before avenging an earlier road loss at South Eugene, prevailing 7-6 in overtime. The win lifted AHS into a tie at 5-1 with South Eugene atop the loop. A spectacular save by senior goalkeeper Kyle Asher in the waning seconds of regulation propelled the Grizz into overtime. A South Eugene steal and breakaway with 13 seconds left on the regulation clock was thwarted when Asher rose high above the water's edge, held his advantage, and swatted away what would have been the game-winner. A furious overtime session - featuring stalwart defensive stands by both clubs - was marked by a single goal, and it was Ashland's. At the 1:45 mark, junior Nate Jessop flipped a pass from the set position to sophomore Caleb Salmond, who immediately found junior Arron Nelson open on the wing. Salmond's pass was picked out of midair and Nelson drove the winning shot past a late-arriving Axemen goaltender. As the clock ticked away in OT, Jessop and Salmond swarmed over a lone attacker from the north after a steal, pinning him to the wall and choking off any attempt at the net. The Grizz trailed 2-1 after the first break, settled for a 3-3 tie at halftime, and rested with a 6-5 margin after three periods. Besides the ties and lead changes, the two evenly matched clubs were never more than one goal apart. There were plenty of stars to pass around for the Grizz, but Jessop's performance that included a goal, a game-winning assist and eight steals topped the list. Senior captain Brian Westerberg netted a pair of third-period goals, picked up an assist and three steals. Junio Michael Stout added two goals, an assist and three swipes. In all, the ballhawking Grizz made 24 steals, compared to coughing up the ball 15 times on offense. Asher swatted away 16 shots on goal in regulation, and seven more in overtime to preserve the win. (Note: In Saturday's story there was incorrect information. Arron Nelson scored six goals for AHS.) Girls water polo The Grizz girls kept their postseason hopes alive with a rousing 10-8 win over visiting South Eugene. Senior captain Keely Zodrow paced the inspired effort with five goals, two assists and 10 steals. Freshman Julia Coke added three goals and a pair of assists. Freshman Ashley Roda and junior Michelle Smith rounded out the Grizz scoring. Sophomore Ursula Barton picked up two assists and hounded the Axemen with seven swipes. Freshman Chani Little knocked away 14 shots in goal for the Grizz. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing