Juniors in the driver's seat: the quest for league supremacy

Nadine MelamedStaff WriterAs pressure and intensity increase, the boys’ water polo team continues to power its way past competitors as they find themselves well in reach of the League Champion title. Though for their hopes to become reality, each player realizes that better defensive playing becomes more crucial each match.“It’s going to come down to our defense,” nationally ranked captain Marc Vonderweidt said.Although their winning streak would suggest otherwise, defense must improve in order to for the team to continue winning games.“We all know that our defense is really important and that we have to step it up to continue winning,” senior goalkeeper Hunter McCarthy said.The players, particularly the juniors who will be in control next year, need to focus on stopping goals rather than just scoring. Without a concrete defense, offense is meaningless.Looking back on his season so far and the team’s improvement, Vonderweidt said, “We’re doing well. We just need some more work and practice. When our defense is really solid, that’s when we can work as a unit.”At the home game against El Segundo on Oct. 18, the Greenies proved how well they could work “as a unit,” dominating 20-11.From early on, Samo’s victory was clear, as the Greenies held a constant lead throughout the match against these long time rivals.Unsure of where to pass, the game was a continuous furry of confused and frightened El Segundo players as they frantically searched for help from other teammates.At the end of the match, the Drake pool shook in cheers of triumph and joviality, from the screaming seniors who exuberantly recognized their long awaited victory over bitter rivals.Since then, the Greenies beat Torrance 9-5 on Oct. 20. Soon after, they faced an unfamiliar situation, as they came close to but lost to Bonita 4-8.“We’ve worked hard and we’ve blown out every other team! I’m really proud of us and our improvement so far and I know we’re just going to get better.” Vonderweidt said.nmelamed@thesamohi.com