Girls’ water polo keeps spirits high as season wraps up

Despite a tough season, the Lady Falcons are trying to make the best of their difficulties by maintaining high spirits and good team morale. The girls continued their fight during the league finals, which started Nov. 2.

Compared to previous years, the team has struggled with a disappointing record of 3-17. Despite the losses, players have enjoyed being on the team and getting to know each other. The girls celebrated their senior day on Oct. 26 with their last home game against Los Altos. They lost to Los Altos 1-12 with the lone goal scored by senior Sammi Lotti. Seniors Stephanie Borsum and Courtney Murabito had several steals throughout the game.

“Even though we had a tough game, it was important to us as a team and as friends to show our seniors how much they meant to us this season,” said junior Alison Buchanan.

The girls participated in their last tournament of the season on Oct. 23 at Monta Vista, where they suffered a surprising 11-4 defeat to Burlingame as well as a 11-2 loss to league opponent Gunn. Although the team was not expecting to win against Gunn, one of the top competitors in the league, the girls played well.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game but it was essential that played anyways regardless of our previous track record,” said Borsum.

However, the team’s confidence took a blow when they were defeated 7-8 by Mountain View, a team they had beaten twice before in league games.

“It was a heart-wrenching game,” said co-captain Sara Knysh. “We really expected to come out and have a win against Mountain View again, but we just weren’t playing the same level of water polo we usually do.”

The game was extremely close with goals by seniors Murabito, Borsum and Courtney Chaffin—all top scorers this season. The team decided to change things up a little by switching goalie Sara Knysh into field and moving her younger sister, sophomore Alison Knysh, into goal.

“Although I had already played field my freshman year, it was great to be back out there playing alongside the other girls,” said Knysh.

Coach Courtney Crase is looking into holding winter and summer practices to help the girls have a stronger season next year.

“I know that we have the potential and talent,” said Crase. “All we need is the practice, which will be possible if we start our season training earlier.”

The team competed in the league tournament on Nov. 2 but due to printing deadlines, the results could not be included in this issue.