Women's water polo making waves
By Eric Nelson
After hosting a tournament in their own backyard, women's water polo is finding their footing. Especially against teams in their conference.
Despite the fact that they have tallied a 14-13 record thus far and now sit in fifth within their conference, the intensity continues to build as every game proves to play a crucial role leading up to the playoffs.
Water polo, which requires a combination of speed, stamina and strength, was on full display this past weekend as the top teams in the Western Water Polo Association jostled for seeding at the Sullivan Aquatic Center.
In a tight race, the Broncos were able to ensure a fifth place seeding leading up to the playoffs with a clutch 8-4 win over Colorado. In addition, Santa Clara was able to edge Sonoma State 8-7 in a hard fought game.
However, the real story of the weekend came against Bakersfield. In a game that could have potentially scooted the Broncos into fourth place within the division, Santa Clara lost a heartbreaker in double overtime 13-12.
Alongside the loss to Bakersfield, the Broncos fell to top-seeded Loyola Marymount 12-6. Despite the loss, the final score showed that Santa Clara is capable of contending with the top teams in the conference.
"This weekend really showed us how far we have come this season as a team and what we need to concentrate on leading up to the playoffs," said senior Meg Zimmerman.
Heading into the playoffs, which begin in two weeks, there are still a number of points that Zimmerman believes that the team could improve on before they are able to make a run at obtaining a bid for the NCAA tournament.
"The chemistry is there but there are a few things we need to perfect before we can make a run in the playoffs," said Zimmerman. "Among these is just sticking to our game and making sure we stay consistent throughout the match."
This year the team retained only half of last year's roster. The fact that the team chemistry is at an all time high despite having eight freshman and two transfer students on the roster has left Santa Clara upbeat.
"We're really proud at the progress we have seen and the obstacles we have overcome with ten new players on the team," says Zimmerman.
Even though the Broncos are young, the team has a bright future, with all thoughts concentrated on these vital upcoming weeks.
Although Santa Clara has never obtained a bid to the NCAA tournament and will need a strong run in the playoffs to have a chance, morale has never been higher.
"Morale is high because we have had so many close games with all of the top teams in our conference," commented sophomore Marina Allen.
If the Broncos are going to stand a chance of making an improbable run to secure a bid, the three senior captains, Zimmerman, Jenny Knutson and Rochelle Stowe are all going to have to set the tone.
Contact Eric Nelson at ehnelson@scu.edu or (408) 551-1918.