Sharks Water Polo Undefeated in League Play

The girls varsity water polo team returned from its winter break only a week ago, but the team has wasted no time diving into the league-play portion of the season. Over the last eight days, the Sharks have played three Tri-Valley League opponents and been victorious on each occasion.

Playing at home on Jan 4, the Sharks easily defeated Villanova 21-3 in their league opener. The team was fired up in front of a home crowd and accomplished a rare feat by having all seven field players (Rae Jackson, Allyx Teel, Jessie Sorce, Jenny Hill-Carta, Devin Dematia, Lauren Haas, and Linda Brown) score at least two goals. The junior varsity team followed with a 14-3 victory and head coach Meredith Butte was extremely pleased with "the great team water polo from both squads."

This week on Monday, the Sharks traveled to Carpinteria for what would be a much tougher match-up against the Warriors, whose only two league losses last year were to Malibu. It was close throughout the contest, but the Sharks squandered early leads to go into the fourth quarter trailing 7-5. With momentum working against them, the Sharks then turned it around and finished with one of their best and most exciting quarters of the year.

With the entire team playing great defense and late goals scored by Dematia, Brown and Sorce, the Sharks rallied for an 8-7 victory. Also key to the rally were two impressive shot blocks late in the game by goalie Sara Toussieng. Coach Butte was very excited about the big win, but most importantly, "very pleased with how they came together and finished the game with an unbelievable effort." The JV team added to the great day with a 15-12 win that made the bus ride back to Malibu a short one full of happy Sharks.

Two days later, the Sharks hosted a game against Nordhoff. The team did not disappoint the home crowd and cruised to a 21-5 victory at the Shark Tank. Again, all seven varsity field players scored a goal as the Sharks continued to show an improving offensive balance. The JV squad followed suit with an 18-8 victory led by Christine Karaghossian (seven goals), Caroline Pietrzyk (six goals) and Raine Murray (seven assists).

The 3-0 start in league play runs the Sharks overall record to 8-5, and they are currently ranked sixh in Division 6 of the CIF Southern Section.  

The Sharks are back at it with a big league game at Oaks Christian today, followed by a home game against Cate on Jan. 18. Game times are at 3:15 pm and Shark fans are encouraged to come out and support the team. Go here to see the rest of the schedule.