Girls' water polo shows potential after first scrimmage

Sam ReamerStaff WriterSamo girls' water polo won its first scrimmage of the season on Tuesday, Nov. 22, defeating the Calabasas High School Coyotes 13-2.At the end of the first quarter, the Greenies were tied with the Coyotes 1-1, but then proceeded to overwhelm Calabasas, ending the second quarter 6-2. Their defense was just as powerful, derailing any scoring attempt the Coyotes sent their way.By the third quarter, the Greenies increased their lead to 9-2, and it was clear they were the dominant team. Despite their seven point lead, the Greenies never let up, and during the last 12 seconds of the fourth courter, junior Jessie Espera countered off a failed attempt to score by Calabasas, and easily scored a high corner shot from three meters, finishing the game 13-2.Senior Morgan Rodriguez felt that the team performed well and has a promising future, but acknowledged that they still have room to improve.“I think we did great. We have a lot of things to work on, like our plays, but we really made a lot of pretty good goals. [We] worked hard together and communicated,” Rodriguez said. “I think we're going to have a great season — probably undefeated.”Girls' water polo coach Matthew Flanders was pleased with the result of the Greenies' first scrimmage.“I think the girls did very well, we're in a good position for the season," Flanders said. "Our offense is working well and our defense is pretty solid. The girls seemed fit, so I’m looking forward to a good year.”sreamer@thesamohi.com