Water Polo splashes on

MISSION VIEJO, CA — The East Los Angeles College water polo team is a young team, sporting a roster of 11 players, some, beginners in the sport. Only five of 14 return from last year’s squad that defeated Rio Hondo College for fifth place in the South Coast Conference Tournament Championships.

There is however, no lack of desire to win on their faces during their games.

The Huskies began the 2015 campaign with three losses at the Saddleback Tournament this past weekend then ending with a thrilling 7-6 win against Southwestern College.

Before the win against Southwestern, you could see confidence, strength and unity during the East Los Angeles College warm up. And it made a difference.

The Huskies looked in control in scoring seven goals. Freshman Alejandra Mendoza (South Gate HS) led the attack with three strikes in the net followed by sophomore veteran Yvonne Young who slammed in two goals, with one assist.

Scoring one goal each were sophomore Alex Reyes (Downey HS) and freshman Reanna Calvaruzo (Whittier HS). Both Huskies had one assist each. Freshmen Julia Soto (Garfield HS) and Michelle Delgado (Montebello HS) each had an assist.

Sophomore Brandy Macias (Bell Gardens) experience showed as she had three steals and one assist against the Jaguars.

In a tournament opening 14-2 loss to Grossmont College who is 3-1 overall, Young and Mendoza knocked in one goal each for ELAC.

The highlight for the Huskies in a 13-2 loss to Citrus College (3-1) was Calvaruzo who nabbed three steals with her quick defensive play.

In a 16-7 loss to SCC rival Rio Hondo (2-2), Young led the way with four goals.

Husky tournament totals included Young with seven goals, three assists and two steals and Mendoza with five goals. Macias and Calvaruzo had four steals each.

ELAC Goalie Krystal Ramirez had 16 saves during the tournament.

ELAC opens SCC play at Long Beach City College (3-1) on Sept. 16 then plays four games at the Chaffey College Tournament Sept. 18/19.

story submitted by Tadzio Garcia