The Pitman High varsity girls’ and boys’ water polo squads hosted Merced on Monday afternoon in a Central California Conference battle.

The girls fell 7-6 after a tough game and the boys toppled Merced 9-6, scratching their league losing streak that dated back to last season.

“Finally broke the spell with a win over Merced,” said Pitman boys’ head coach Colin Wenstrand.

Pitman's Brady Gutierrez added four goals while Andree Shields had three.

“Really happy with how we have been playing this last week, in particular our defense,” said Wenstrand. “Brady has stepped up his game on both sides of the ball, producing on offense and orchestrating our defense in the water.”

Pitman is now 9-6 overall and 1-2 in the CCC.

The girls gave up a three-goal lead during Monday's game and eventually found themselves falling by one to the Bears.

“We didn't do the best we could have,” said Pitman girls’ head coach Erica Crain. “We gave up a lead of three and couldn't answer them.”

Pitman goes to 2-1 in the CCC.

“We had many opportunities to score and we didn't capitalize on them. We just have to get ready for the future and grow as a team for the next one,” said Crain.