SWIM! Player Ryan Carmody approaches the ball after a counter attack. Swimming is a crucial part of water polo because it helps during transitions throughout the game. Carmody swam growing up and now in water polo it gives her an advantage other players do not have.

PROTECTION. In water polo to stay protected and to prevent cauliflower ears, you wear a swim cap with shells on the ears. The shells have holes on them so the players can hear. “ After a week of playing you get used to it. We all are screaming so the shells don’t really make a difference, “ said sophomore Lindsey Stevens.

AGGRESSIVE. In water polo transitions a 2 has to be the most aggressive player. They have to attack players and stay the same position throughout transitions. Even in practice these players do not switch and have to be focused on that position only.

PASS! Sarah Wertheim passes the ball to a teammate for a goal. In water polo you are not allowed to hold the ball with two hands and if you want to pass the ball, you have to hold the ball with your wrist tilted back. “ One time in a game I held the ball with two hands and the ref called me for it. I didn’t even realize I did it because of my reflexes,” said Wertheim.

ATTACK! Madison Humphrey attacks the defense and is shown seconds before shooting her shot. The proper shooting position consists of a rotating back shoulder and treading water so you can stay up and be ready to attack at all times.

GO TEAM! Seniors Bryson Gwyn and Morgan McAvoy lead the Ave Cave in cheering during the girls JV match to keep the team going. “It’s important to keep a positive attitude and make the match fun for the spectators and the players,” said Gwyn.