Sharks Water Polo Stays Perfect in League

Last Friday, the  girls varsity water polo team traveled to Oaks Christian for its third league game of the week. Both teams brought in undefeated league records and the lower-ranked Lions played inspired water polo in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. But the Sharks (7-4, 4-0 in Tri-Valley League) finished on the winning side of the 7-3 score.

After wins against , the Sharks "fought hard, but were a little out of sorts at times," said head coach Meredith Butte. Minor injuries, some illnesses and a busy recent schedule contributed to the difficulty of ending the week by pushing through an away game over an important league rival.

After jumping out to an early 4-0 halftime lead, the Lions rallied to close the gap at 4-2 early in the third quarter. The momentum turn ignited the home crowd and the Sharks were suddenly in a late-game battle with a boisterous crowd rooting on their opponent. From there, the teams traded goals and it remained a two-goal game at 5-3 well into the fourth quarter.

With injuries, energy, and momentum working against them, the Sharks dug deep and rallied to close the game with two goals and a victory that was much closer than the final score.    

Coach Butte said she recognized the challenge of the long week, and was very pleased "that they finished the game with composure and I am proud that they pulled out a victory."

She said she was particularly pleased with the progress of goalie Sara Toussieng, who "had a great game with eight solid blocks." The Shark scorers were Jessie Sorce (two), Jenny Hill-Carta (two), Devin Dematia (two), and Linda Brown (one). Dematia added six steals to lead an outstanding defensive effort.

This week, Malibu slows down a bit while also facing first semester final exams. The only game on the schedule is a Wednesday home contest at 3:15 pm against league rival Cate. Come out and support the Sharks or plan to catch another game by checking out the team schedule.