Girls’ water polo preview

Coaches: Rafael Alapont (new coach), Nick Berg

2011 Record: 9-6

2011 Recap: The varsity team improved with hours of practice and determination. With teamwork and well-planned tactics, the team triumphed in more than half of their games.

Star Players: Junior Nikki de Roos, senior Stephanie Chen, senior Elyse Berlinberg

Key Additions: Sophomore Amanda Moriarty, junior Jackie Taysi, sophomore Madison Gress 

Key Matches: Next match at Fremont High School on Sept. 18

With a new coach and game plan, the girls’ water polo team has begun its trek to victory. The team is focusing more on strategic maneuvers for the upcoming games with one of the most demanding schedules of the fall season, with practices every afternoon and mornings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

The new coach, Rafael Alapont, is still getting to know all of the players on the team, but said he will try his hardest to lead the team to success. 

“The goal for our season is to improve at each practice and game throughout the season,” Alapont said. “Also, [Nick Berg] and I are trying to build a sense of community in which all administrators, teachers, parents and students support our sport.”

Last year, the girls opened the season with great scores, winning four out of their first five games.

Players are excited to start playing games, ready to beat last year’s record. 

“There is a lot of strong talent this year and with a great new coach, this upcoming season will be nothing shy of fun or excitement,” said sophomore Mackenzie Rosenthal, who plays point for offense and set D for defense.