MICAH BAIRD gets ready to unload a shot against Fairfield at Cunningham Pool on Monday.

Benicia High’s girls varsity water polo team dominated visiting Fairfield for a 16-0 victory Monday at Cunningham Pool in Vallejo.

Tara Othman led a Benicia attack that did whatever it wanted, scoring 12 goals in the first half before taking it easy in the second half.

“They have only a couple of returning girls and the rest haven’t played before,” Benicia head coach Donny Mata said of Fairfield. “We had to pull back on the reins in the second half. Our bench got a chance for a lot of playing time.”

Micah Baird and Chloe Bonini also shined for Benicia’s offense. Sophomore goalkeeper Avery Baird was flawless in net and posted the shutout.

“No matter who you’re playing, to shut out someone is a really big accomplishment,” Mata said.

Starters for Benicia’s girls this year include Alexa Jacobson, Zoe Healy-Crowder, Mireya Cabral-Mixco, Esther Hurst, Hannah Barlow and hole-set Micah Baird.

Benicia’s varsity boys were also supposed to compete Monday but Fairfield wasn’t able to field a team.

“I think we have the talent on the girls side to win the league,” Mata said. “And I don’t want to sound too cocky, but I think our boys team also has a good chance to win the league because I think Dixon is down this year.”

Benicia will take on Bethel at Cunningham Pool on Thursday. The junior varsity girls are scheduled to hit the pool at 4 p.m., with the varsity girls at 5 p.m., varsity boys at 6 p.m. and JV boys at 7 p.m.

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