Brahmas rise to top of the pool

BOYS WATERPOLO Already matching last year’s win total, the team has a record of 15-2. The team also went on a record 10-game winstreak.

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Angela Yang, Asst. News Editor

Entering its third year, the Diamond Bar High School boys water polo team are finally experiencing winning ways. They’ve run their record to an impressive 15-2.

Diamond Bar started off the season strong with a 13-7 win against Glendora High School, in its first league game on Sept. 29. This was a big step forward for the Brahmas, as they had lost to Glendora by margin of more than eight goals per game last year.

The team’s record has improved dramatically compared to the previous two years. Diamond Bar’s only preseason defeat this year was a 10-7 game against Walnut, and players are feeling confident about the upcoming season.

“We are winning game after game,” senior Kevin Guerra said. “The coaches are handling the team very well. They are pushing us to our limits and they expect a lot out of us.”

The team went on a record 10-game winstreak after their loss against Walnut. However, it was ended in their second league match against league leader Ayala in a 19-7 loss.

Although their win streak ended, the team continues to perform well in other games and tournaments.

“We have a very good chance to qualify for playoffs in just our third season,” head coach Alexander Matal said via email.

The team participated in the Inaugural Diamond Bar Invitational tournament, taking second place with a record of 4-1.

They emerged as tournament champions in the Silver Division of the annual Varsity Bull Run.

“Everyone on the varsity team has played well during our first two tournaments,” Matal said. “We have been led by senior Diego Hammond on offense and seniors Sebastian Houng and Kevin Guerra have been solid in the cage.”

The Brahmas moved down a division this year; their current record puts Diamond Bar at third place in the league.

By this point in the 2016 season, the team has already racked up as many wins as last year’s total.

“The varsity team has improved on their defensive awareness and body positioning,” Matal said.  “It has led to an increase of steals per game and counter goals.”

However, improving on maintaining the high level of energy “from the first whistle to the last whistle” throughout each game is a task the team could improve on, according to Matal.

The Brahmas will be traveling to compete in the San Diego Open on Oct. 27.