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irls water polo has endured a tough season so far, and while the last few weeks have been rough for the team, (2-4 in league play), the squad hopes to get back on track and improve for the future.

The team has not started the way they would have liked, but have a plethora of things to look forward to as the season continues.

“I feel that our varsity team this year has grown very well together over the past few weeks,” said junior Alyssa Ibuyan. “We have a relatively young team and will continue to improve with more time playing together.”

We have lots to improve on, but we have tons of talent and this season will be a sucessful one.

Sophie Frick

Junior

While the team won three consecutive games in blowout fashion against San Lorenzo Valley High School, Half Moon Bay High School and Fremont High School in early September, the girls fell flat in subsequent weeks. They dropped three of four matches, including a demoralizing 5-2 loss to Gunn High School.

However, not all is lost for the team, according to junior Sophie Frick.

“We have lots to improve on, but we have tons of talent and this season will be a successful one.” Frick said.

Unfortunately, time is running out for the team, as only six league games remain. The team hopes to be successful in the second half against opponents that they have previously lost to, such as Los Gatos High School, Gunn High School, Mountain View High School and Los Altos High School.

Despite these challenges, the team believes they can be successful in future games.

Their improved ability to defend and score early is one reason the team remains confident heading into the end of the regular season.

“We have had some games where we have dug ourselves into holes in the first quarter or two and find ourselves having to bounce back,” Ibuyan said. “We have been getting a lot better at not falling behind and our play is becoming more consistent from game to game. I think that with more time we can continue to come out strong and keep our opponent at 5 goals or under.”

The team’s next match is on Oct. 11 against Cupertino High School, who are currently at the bottom of the league.

This will hopefully be a bounce-back game for the team, as they hope to repeat the 16-6 blowout win that happened the last time the two met.

Overall, the team is currently in fifth place out of seven teams in the Santa Clara Valley De Anza League.

“We are still learning each other’s strengths and weaknesses and will continue to improve with more time playing together,” Ibuyan said.