Sports

Away on a college recruiting trip during his team’s league loss on March 16, Clarke was back in a big way. He cruised to victories in the 500-yard freestyle and 200 individual medley, while also swimming a leg on a pair of scoring relay teams for the Mariners.

Christian Quintero poured in a career-high 46 points to lead No. 10 Pajaro Valley over No. 7 Mills, 75-67, and into the quarterfinal round of the Central Coast Section playoffs for the first time in program history.

Monte Vista Christian’s outside hitters Mattea Romo and Cassidy Schurman were named to the Gabilan division First Team, while North Monterey County High libero Malia Garcia, Pajaro Valley High outside hitter Natalia Gallegos and Watsonville High opposite Camila Cardenas all made the Pacific division First Team.

Aptos High exploded for six goals in the first quarter, including four in the first four minutes, and the Mariners’ stingy defense clamped down on Carmel High’s usually potent offense to take control of the league with a 15-3 blowout win on Wednesday night at Trevin Dilfer Field in Aptos.

And it’s arguably the biggest reason why the No. 3-seeded Hawks, powered by an airtight defense and an on-fire attack, will play at top-seeded San Marin High tonight for the NorCal Division V championship.

Aptos began the 2024 regular season with three consecutive losses, including two against a pair of defending league champions. They dropped the season-opener to Homestead—winners of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League El Camino Division, followed by a loss to Christopher High—winners of the Blossom...