A New Challenge Ahead
December 12, 2014
The girls water polo team has improved in technique and endurance since its first practices in June, as evident in its preparation for the start of its inaugural season. With upcoming games and tournaments in December, the novice team has much work ahead of it.
Currently, the team is focused on improving its fundamental skills and gaining more experience with the sport. According to Alexander Matal, the head coach for the girls and boys water polo teams, the girls played in over 30 games over the summer to help the team familiarize itself with the sport.
The team practices Monday through Friday for three hours each day during the school year. The practice routine focuses on building endurance, treading and passing abilities, and fundamental defense skills, along with strength and weight training three times a week.
“The team’s definition of success is that each student-athlete unselfishly works hard every day for the benefit of the team,” Matal said.
To further its success, the team is participating in competitions that will take place in December, the Los Altos Novice and Varsity tournaments. On Dec. 19 and 20, it will also be hosting and participating in its first annual Lady Brahmas Frosh-Soph Tournament.
“For this upcoming season, we will focus on becoming better from the previous day and playing at a higher level from the previous game,” Matal stated.
Overall, there is a positive outlook toward the upcoming season, with the coaching staff aiming toward laying the foundation for a solid girls water polo program in the future. Although the team captains have not yet been named, Matal pointed out several student-athletes to watch this season, including freshman Sophia Ramos, who has the most experience out of all the members due to her previous participation in the Seadevils Water Polo Club, as well as senior Lina Soloman.
“I am looking forward to a good season, even though we just started. We’re going to try hard,” Soloman said.
The team’s first official game will take place next Monday against Pomona Catholic. The Lady Brahmas previously played against PC during the Nogales Summer League and lost, but Matal commented that the girls have improved since then and expect to be more competitive this time around. An approaching game will be against Alhambra on Dec. 15 at 3:15 p.m., with another upcoming game at home against Bolsa Grande on Dec. 18 at 3:30 p.m.
