With an excellent start to the season, UC High’s Girls Water Polo Team is quickly becoming one of the top sports programs in the school. The team has started the season undefeated in the Varsity Winter Classic and is ready to try and make a run in the Division One Playoffs.

   Last year, the team had a record of 18-10 and was able to top their rivals, Clairemont High, in a close game. They also made a solid run in the Division One playoffs, reaching the semi-final before losing to Westview High. 

   With nine seniors this year, many of them having played with each other for over two years, the team has a super close bond. According to Sophomore Ruby Canatsey, “Last year we were beginning to grow together, and this year we have continued to do so. We have a very tight bond in and out of the water.” With this being many of the player’s last chance to win a CIF title this year, they are more determined than ever to win.

   One of the team’s biggest rivals every year is Clairemont High. They meet every year in League play and with the schools being so close to each other, a large number of fans come out to support. “Clairemont is definitely one of our biggest rivals every year. Last year we had a crazy game and beat them 6-5,” said Senior and Captain Isa Pedrazzanni.

   One of the most evident factors of the team’s success is their teamwork; every player works as hard as possible for one another. Pedrazzanni explained, “Everyone on our team is important to our success since we need each other to work together and get better.” With many of the girls playing together for such a long time, the cohesiveness of the team is visible at all times.

   All these factors have come together to account for the team’s 9-0 start to the season. Furthermore, the team hasn’t just been playing against the easy competition; they have had wins against Rancho Bernardo High and Helix High, both of whom are Division One programs (maxpreps.com). Canatsey explained, “We’ve had an incredible start to the season and we are continuing to grow as a team and hope to keep winning in order to reach the Open Division Playoffs.”

   Senior Captain Lexie Jackson stated, “This season has by far been my favorite at the school. The bond we have together is really something special, and I think that’s the key to us winning so many of our games this year.”

   With ten games left in the season and League just around the corner, the Girls Water Polo Team is ready for anything and everything ahead of them. The team is on an extremely high note with their incredible preseason achievements. They are motivated and excited for every game they play. Their passion and desire to win this season is strong and they hope everybody at UC High can support them on their way to achieving their goals.