The girls varsity water polo team went up against Merced on September 30, and lost 3 to 13. The teams overall played excellent, with both sides going back and forth. The team held its own through their offense against Merced’s team who is ranked top in the state.
During the first half, the girls varsity team was able to maintain a good defense against Merced’s team. Blocking goals, putting pressure on the offense and trying to break them. Unfortunately, by the second half, our girls team started to get pressed which led to their defeat, but they kept a good formation strategy thanks to their captains, Sam Pantoja (12) and Mia Duran who were able to score the goals. The Tiger girls really tried to keep their ground tight, but the pressure from Merced was too much for the girls to recover.
This season, the girls team has won most of their meets, and they’re standing tall this season, thanks to the support from their coach, Elizabeth Baughman. She has guided her team to victory with not just water polo but with swimming too.
“I saw a lot of great play from my team against a really strong opponent, and I am really proud of the way these girls handled the loss,” she said.
Mia Duran (12) is the co-captain of the water polo girls team. She helps lead her team to success and greatness. This meet was a test to see if they can stick together through the good and the bad. The team will play against Merced again later this month.
“I push my team by encouraging them to do the best they can, and celebrating any small accomplishments they may have, any progress is good!” Duran said.
Now this loss is still very early in the season, so the team is preparing to face upcoming rivals, such as Johansen, Pacheco, Buhach Colony, and Golden Valley.
The next competition is scheduled for October 8 at Pacheco High 4:00 p.m.
