A deep dive into the 2024 Girls’ Water Polo season
Samo Varsity Girls' Water Polo closed out their season on Jan. 31 with a game against Culver City. Winning 8-1, the score reflected the effort the team has put into practice throughout the semester.
To total up the season, the Vikings hold a win-loss total of 9-14, with a 2-6 record for in-league games. From their first game of the season with a 17-14 win against Garden Grove, the team worked to improve in-game communication and awareness in the pool. Head Coach Matthew Flanders goes in-depth on the development he is hoping for in future seasons.
"We are beginning to gain the experience needed to play the sport at a competitive level," Flanders said. "We need to improve our fundamentals and knowledge of the game to win more games next year."
The strengths that Samo worked toward paid off especially well during their Jan. 25 Bay League win against Culver City, which would later be reflected in their final League win against the same team. According to Team Captain Sarah Linowes (’24), players had become more confident in shooting, more adaptive in communication and better at defensive strategies. Linowes describes the mental readiness of the team as one of the forces leading them to victory.
"The minute the whistle sounded, we were playing as a team and our hard work over the season was paying off," Linowes said.
Flanders, as well as Captains Linowes and Gigi Slavonia (’24), highlighted team members Serena Wu (’25), Mila Rudgard (’24) and Sydney Schaffer (’24) as integral players this season. Wu stood out for her speed and talent for both defense and offense; Rudgard and Schaffer stood out for their powerful shots and dedication to the sport. Flanders touches on the contributions that each player gave to the team as it related to their overall strength.
"[These players'] hard work and leadership really pushed the other girls on," Flanders said. "All of the girls had a great attitude and worked hard."
Matthew Criswell / Contributor
Sydney Schaffer (’24) blocks a rival team’s shot during a Western Tournament game on Jan. 5.