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December 16, 2024
On Nov. 23, MBHS’ girls’ water polo team played their final game of the season, with a score of 7-9. The team had incredible success this year, reaching heights previously unseen. While MBHS has a reputation for their stellar girls water polo team, this year was truly one for the history books. Not only did the team make it to state, they placed second in the competition. This was, of course, no easy feat. This impressive accomplishment is a direct result of their hard work and perseverance.
This year the team featured four extraordinary seniors, Tessa Standridge, Maya Hitchcock, Ava Beckett, and Carly Muff. These four girls have been a key factor towards the team’s success over years, each one being a staple in their roster. When Standridge was asked to shout out any standout team member, she said, “All the other seniors who I’ve grown up with on this team.” Of course, the seniors are not the only impressive players on the team. Standridge also gave a shout out to their goalie, junior Ginger Russell, who she said, “really carried our team in some of those games.”
The team claimed the title of D2 champions, going on to compete in state. Standridge went on to explain how her and her teammates performed in their final few games. She said, “Our last few games were really intense and everyone stepped up and played a part, our final game was definitely the most challenging.” Their opponent, Aptos High School, is an equally formidable group of girls. The MBHS girls gave their greatest efforts, but eventually they lost the close game. Standridge shows no shame in this, she said, “I think we did really well against Aptos, they were a really well rounded team.”
When asked how the team’s strategy differed from last years, Standridge said, “Previously we were a fairly ‘center’ ‘set’ centered team. This year we focused more on counter attacks like fast reactions, leaving a little early, and stealing the ball to get quick goals.” She continued to explain why this strategy was so effective this year and not in previous seasons. “I think this happened just based on the players on the team, we had a lot of fast girls and good defense.”
While the season may be over for this year, one can look forward to next year’s team. Standridge herself is especially ecstatic about “passing the torch to the younger girls.” She said, “I’m excited to see what they do next year.”
The team posing with their coaches to celebrate the season.
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