After a decisive junior varsity victory over Mason, the SHS varsity water polo team looked to match JV success. This proved to be more difficult, however, because of the depth in the Mason varsity line-up.
One of the most difficult aspects of the SHS varsity water polo team is their lack of experience. With only four players with prior varsity experience, the team is still in the process of developing high-level polo.
Regardless of this lack of experience, the team has already exceeded expectations by keeping up a narrow goal differentiation in all of their games aside from their losses to former state champions Upper Arlington.
This trend of tough losses continued on Tuesday Sept. 13 when the varsity ladies fell to the Comets 4-3. Nevertheless, team morale has not declined.
“Even though we have had a rough time pulling out a victory, we are still improving immensely and I am very proud of that” said Grace Mather, 12.
The team will have many more chances to earn a winning record as they have tournaments almost every weekend until October, some in Cincinnati, some in Columbus, and even an outdoor tournament in Worthington on Sept. 17 and 18.
“We are definitely looking forward to the Worthington Tournament. It is the best tournament because we get to play our games outside and the weather is always super nice” said Mather.
Ohio Cup (the Worthington Tournament) is a key tournament each year. It serves as a midpoint in the season where all the teams assemble and play together.
“Ohio Cup is where it’s at. That is where the real action happens and when the records really start to matter. I am expecting a lot from the ladies this year” said Kurt Heltman, coach.