SCVAL tournament final test for girls’ water polo

November 18, 2008 — by Amalie MacGowan and Pia Mishra

With Santa Clara Valley Athletic League finals beginning on Nov. 4, the varsity water polo girls feel they couldn't be more prepared for the games to come. Senior co-captain Alison Norris said the team has drastically advanced in its play this season, and she hopes that even against tough competitors such as Los Gatos and Los Altos, it will be able to play its best.

With Santa Clara Valley Athletic League finals beginning on Nov. 4, the varsity water polo girls feel they couldn’t be more prepared for the games to come. Senior co-captain Alison Norris said the team has drastically advanced in its play this season, and she hopes that even against tough competitors such as Los Gatos and Los Altos, it will be able to play its best.

In the past years the girls have done exceptionally well, making it to CCS two years ago. Despite their inability to make CCS last year, the girls still believe they have a good chance this year.

“I think that if we do well in this tournament, we have a possibility of contending for CCS,” said senior Casey Long. “We’ve improved so much over the season, so I’m hoping that we can make [going to CCS] a reality.”

The tournament will be a triple round-robin format, meaning that the Falcons will be playing each team for the third time this season. The girls are looking forward to defeating their tough opponents from past games, including long-time rival Los Gatos, as well as Los Altos and Palo Alto.

Junior Sarah Knysh said that the team has been consistent throughout their games, and they are hoping to amp up their playing for these last few games.

“Many players have become much stronger shooters,” said Norris. “We have a gifted offense and a strong defense, so we will hopefully catapult our playing to the next level.”

The girls won their recent games against Mountain View and Homestead by scores of 11-4 and 12-9 respectively. Norris scored five goals in each victory.

Since this is the last season for Norris and her fellow seniors Kaylee Pettingill and Amanda Murabito, they hope this will be one of their best and most memorable tournaments. The team has already made a good record for themselves throughout the season and they hope to show that in the finals.

“The girls have learned so much in this past season,” said coach Courtney Crase. “I know that they will try their hardest in these upcoming games, which means we have a good chance of succeeding.”

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