Varsity Girls’ Water Polo Team Defeated After Offensive Struggles

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WESLEY TSAI
Staff Writer

The Moors battled it out with the Gahr High School Gladiators on Jan. 23 to make their way through preseason. Though they were swimming with smooth strokes, the Moors fell back with a loss of 4-25.

“[We need to] improve on communication, defense and offense. [Another] thing we need to improve on is recognizing shots sooner, and improving the health over the weekend,” said Head Coach Adrian Lopez said.

In the first quarter, the Moors started off with the ball. After several transitions from both teams, Al-hambra managed to push and score, giving them their first point but trailing 1-4. To end the quarter, the Gladiators made an error by setting a five-meter penalty, which let Alhambra sophomore wing Joyce Hong shoot a foul shot, giving the Moors their second point.

The next quarter quickly intensified, and it started off with fast breaks and turnovers from both sides. After more relays between the two opponents, Gahr was called for a five-meter penalty and the Moors scored, making the game 2-7. After many transitions and fast breaks, the Gladiators pushed the score to 2-14.

“The Moors are good ball handlers, defenders and foul drawers,” Gahr freshman point Hailey Rabbs said.

The next two sets were rather defensive for Gahr. Gahr senior goalie Kirsten Nevees received five blocks in the third quarter. After a turnover from the Gladiators, the Moors scored making it 4-25 The Gladiators caught the rhythm back towards the end and pushed 10 more points, ending the game in a loss of 4-25.

“We played pretty well considering we have many injured players, no true goalies and [we were missing two of our most beneficial players]. Overall we were shorthanded, but we delivered and played well,” Lopez said.

The Alhambra water polo team plans to work on shooting in practice because according to Alhambra senior set Michelle Guerra, only three to four girls in varsity are comfortable shooting in a game situation. In all, the team feels like they are in a good position when the team is free from injuries and plan to work on offensive strategies more intensity during practice.