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Merced Union High School District

A Relevant Education For All

October 15, 2026

Bears continue to sink the competition, earn third Western States title

Girls Water polo player getting ready to throw the ball

Three photo collage of girls Water Polo players throwing the ball during a game

The Merced High girls water polo went a perfect 6-0 last week, including capturing their third consecutive Western States Championship in Modesto. The Bears extended their winning streak to nine consecutive games and improved to 16-3 on the season.

 

The Bears improved to a perfect 5-0 in the Central California Conference after picking up victories over Atwater and Golden Valley. Merced then opened Western States with a 16-1 win over Pitman and a 13-2 victory over Sanger. The Bears were led by three goals apiece from Sarah Slocum and Gianna Fragulia against the Pride. Dottie Drury led the way against Sanger with four goals as the Bears racked up 13 assists on their 13 goals.

 

Merced opened Saturday with a rout of Woodcreek as Slocum poured in five goals. Drury added three goals and four assists and Evalyn Drum chipped in with three goals. The victory set up a showdown with a talented Atascadero in the championship game. The Greyhounds entered the game with a 19-2 record this season and ranked No. 13 in the state by MaxPreps.

 

The Bears held a slim 9-8 edge after three quarters, but outscored Atascadero 3-0 in the fourth quarter to earn the 12-8 win and the tournament championship. “There was a lot of scoring in the second quarter (10 goals combined),” said Merced coach Kit Grattan. “We never panicked and our offense came from several players.  In the fourth quarter, I think they were tired of our attack and were unable to gain any momentum.”

 

Drury again shined, scoring five goals to go along with three assists. Taylor Lung added two goals and five assists and Drum scored twice. Merced goalie Audrey O’Bruba continued her stellar play in the cage as she finished with six saves. O’Bruba finished the tournament with 27 saves in four games. 

 

“Three time Western States Champions, this is a very special group to be part of, I am thankful for how they carry themselves in and out of the pool,” Grattan said.

 

Shawn Jansen is the MUHSD Program Manager Digital Media. He can be reached at Sjansen@muhsd.org.