San Bernardino girls water polo team wins Division 5 section title

Patricia Aguilar scores six goals as Cardinals defeat Edgewood 13-3

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The San Bernardino girls water polo team defeated Edgewood 13-3 to win the CIF Southern Section Division 5 championship on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Patricia Aguilar scored a match-high six goals, five of them on penalty shots, and Savannah Martinez recorded 16 saves in the cage for San Bernardino. The victory marks the first section championship for the San Bernardino girls water polo program.

Why it matters

This championship win ends a 31-year title drought for San Bernardino High School and provides inspiration for the community. The school's boys water polo team had previously won a section title in 2024, and now the girls team has followed suit, showcasing the strength of the school's aquatics program.

The details

San Bernardino jumped out to a 2-1 lead after the first quarter and then extended their advantage to 8-2 by halftime. Aguilar was dominant from the penalty stripe, converting 5-of-6 attempts. Edgewood struggled with discipline, committing 16 exclusions or penalty shots compared to just 4 for San Bernardino. Savannah Martinez anchored the San Bernardino defense with 16 saves.

  • The San Bernardino boys water polo team won a CIF Southern Section championship on November 16, 2024.
  • The CIF Southern Section Division 5 girls water polo championship game was played on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Patricia Aguilar

A senior water polo star for San Bernardino High School who scored a match-high six goals, five of them on penalty shots, in the championship game.

Savannah Martinez

The sophomore goalkeeper for San Bernardino High School who recorded 16 saves in the championship game.

Jason Mendoza

The head water polo coach for San Bernardino High School who led the team to its first-ever girls water polo section championship.

Jacqueline Sanchez

The head water polo coach for Edgewood High School, whose team was making its first-ever appearance in a section championship game since the school reopened in 2010.

Edgewood High School

The school that lost to San Bernardino High School in the CIF Southern Section Division 5 girls water polo championship game.

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What they’re saying

“We believed it was our turn now. We had a prophecy to fulfill.”

— Patricia Aguilar, San Bernardino senior water polo star (dailybulletin.com)

“These are very special to me. We have a wonderful, supportive community in San Bernardino, and I'm just grateful that I've had to opportunity to help provide this for our school and city.”

— Jason Mendoza, San Bernardino head water polo coach (dailybulletin.com)

“Those penalties are important. Sure, they have you on the edge of your seat, but those also allow the team to get a little rest and get refocused. I did a good job visualizing my shots before taking them. I stayed positive and manifested them.”

— Patricia Aguilar, San Bernardino senior water polo star (dailybulletin.com)

What’s next

San Bernardino will advance to the CIF regional playoffs following their section championship victory.

The takeaway

This championship win for San Bernardino High School's girls water polo team not only ends a 31-year title drought for the school, but also provides inspiration for the entire community. The team's success showcases the strength of the school's aquatics program and the power of a supportive local community to help nurture athletic excellence.