Underclassmen share experiences from first year on varsity

At 5:45 a.m., the air on the pool deck is frigid and the sky a dark, uninviting mass. 

For sophomore water polo player Amanda Moriarty, the cold temperatures aren't that bad, especially after she has warmed up in the water. Moriarty, who plays on the four five side–the right side–of the cage, has been playing water polo for just two years, not as long as some of the other players on the varsity team. 

“I chose to play water polo because it is such a fun sport, and the team is like a second family to me,” Moriarty said. “I love all of them.”

On the other hand, freshman Alexa Frieberg had already swum competitively and played water polo since fifth grade when she joined the team. During games, Frieberg plays the set position, the player directly in front of the cage. 

Both Frieberg and Moriarty look forward to playing other schools every week.

“[The best] moment [is] right before a ball goes in the cage,” Moriarty said. “For me time always seems to slows down, and you can see the ball flying perfectly into the net. It’s such a great feeling.”

During games, Moriarty’s position is strategically located so that her left-handed throws are more accurate.

“Since I am one of two lefties on the team, I play on the right of the cage,” Moriarty said. “It is the strong side for lefties because we have a better angle.”

Varsity games are much more intense than JV, said sophomore Madison Gress, who plays either wing or driver. 

“[In] JV, we could win a lot, but mainly because we were just fast and could swim down the pool and score on counter attacks,” Gress said. “In order to win [in varsity], you need to have a lot more skill/strategy.”

In the Sept. 25 game against Mountain View, Gress made four of the nine goals that the Falcons scored to triumph. 

“So far I have scored at least one goal every game, which has been really cool and [something] I never expected,” Gress said. 

Despite the increased pressure that varsity brings, Gress said she enjoys playing the sport at a higher level. She said varsity opponents are “stronger, bigger and better.” 

Though moving up to a higher level can be overwhelming, Gress said her teammates “are really nice, and everyone is really close.”

During the home game on Sept. 27 against Monta Vista, the Falcons beat the Matadors 6-4. On Oct. 2, the team beat Cupertino 25-1.