The girls’ water polo team began its season with a strong 10-1 record and solid tournament performances.
In December, the team beat five teams to come in first in the Claremont Tournament at Diamond Bar High School.
After winter break, the squad defeated St. Lucy’s in its first out of tournament game in a heated 14-11 match.
Goalie Emily Hilliard ’19 said that the match was competitive but that the team was excited for the win.
“The game was a rollercoaster but getting up in the second quarter was key to winning the game,” Hilliard said.
The Wolverines took their first losses of the season in the Arroyo Grande Tournament Jan. 5 and Jan. 6. They finished in third place this year.
Last year they finished with two wins and three losses in the same tournament.
Center Taylor Lacour ’19 thinks the losses might set the team back but anticipates a recovery in the coming games.
“We took a couple hard losses today so it is going to put us in a more difficult position for the rest of the season but we are hoping to make a comeback this Tuesday at our game against Claremont,” Lacour said.
The season will become more intense Jan. 11 when the girls play their first league game at home against Alemany.
Last season the squad beat Alemany twice, 17-8 in league play and 21-3 during the Mission League Tournament.
Although the season is just beginning, members of the team said they have high hopes for league and CIF.
“I feel as though our team has a real shot to win the championship this year,” Hilliard said.
The squad’s success so far has been no accident. The girls has been no accident. The girls spend hours in the pool training for games and learning how to compete together.
Head coach Emily Greenwood credits the victories to the squad’s dedication to the team.
“The girls’ commitment and work ethic in the preseason and season have had a huge impact on our success,” Greenwood said.
Beyond league and CIF wins, Greenwood also aims to improve the quality and reputation of the water polo program.
“The girls and coaching staff are striving to become a top program in the nation and we are confident that we are taking steps in the right direction,” Greenwood said.
As the season continues players look forward to bonding and improving their skills. Greenwood believes this development will be a season highlight.
“We are a young team and it’s rewarding to see us get better day by day,” Greenwood said.
The team shows more potential for success than last year and will continue its path to CIF with its home opener, and first league game of the season against Claremont on Jan 9.
