Water Polo is just one of the many fall sports, but according to some, it is definitely one of the most challenging to play. Especially at the varsity level, the intensity goes up and expectations get higher.

Keith Britt, Head Coach, has high hopes for both boys and girls teams. Last season, both teams finished fourth in league and he expects to do even better than that this season.

“I expect both teams to get better with practice,” Britt said. “The only real competition we have is ourselves.”

The girls’ team has all the returning players from last year. Britt expects his five seniors to really step up this year and be leadership figures for the younger girls.

“I think we’ll do really well this year,” senior Samantha Williams said. “We have better girls with a lot more experience.”

Britt believes that the league is tough. Both Britt and Williams agree that Lincoln and Lodi will be their toughest competition, but before they can conquer them, they’ll need a lot of practice.

Both teams practice Monday through Friday. They swim multiple laps to build up the endurance and do drills strength they’ll need to compete in league.

“Our goal this year is to get better each practice and really come together as a whole,” Britt said.

Unlike Britt, the boys feel like they’ll do the same as they did last season.

“I think we will do pretty much the same. Compared to Lincoln and Lodi we just aren’t at their level of competition yet.” junior Taylor Mellick said.

“Except with a better chance of beating Bear Creek,” Mellick said. “The last two games have been close and our team this year has gotten a lot better.”

The boys agree with Britt and Williams that their biggest competition in league will be Lodi. “They play in Olympic development tournaments on the offseason.” Mellick said. “They have the experience and talent that we lack.”

The boys have seven returning varsity players and the rest are from the  junior varsity from last year. Unlike the girls, the boys have pulled up freshman Kor Hurst.

“The goal this year is to make sections,” Britt said. “We have to train hard and improve with each practice.”

The first match is Thursday Sep. 12, at 3:30 p.m. in Pacheco High School.

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Wayne Thallander