Water polo team shows promise for the season
CYPRESS, CA — The East Los Angeles College water polo team began its season against Chaffey College in the Cypress College Mini Tournament without its starting goalie.
Despite this, the Huskies showed promise with strong stats on both offense and defense.
“Going into the game we knew we didn't have a goalie until she was cleared, so we pressed our defense to make sure to limit the shots on goal,” said ELAC first-year water polo head coach Michael Jafari. “Our girls did a great job forcing turnovers and allowing us opportunities to score.”
ELAC freshman Amy Cervantes (Montebello High School) lit up the scoreboard with nine goals, three in a 14-6 loss to host Cypress and six goals in a 19-12 loss to Chaffey College. Cervantes had six steals.
The Huskies, with seven freshmen and three sophomores, improved on last year’s showing vs. Chaffey, which bested ELAC last season 17-6.
“I’m very impressed that we did as well as we did, considering that we didn’t have a goalie and that we were playing iron man for both games,” said ELAC water polo assistant coach Irene Young.
Sophomore Sophia Gonzalez (Harvard-Westlake HS) had a team-high 15 assists, nine in the Chaffey game. Gonzalez scored three goals.
Gonzalez and Cervantes each had a team-high six assists.
Sophomore Jessenia Barberena (Mark Keppel HS) scored two goals in the Chaffey game and added another in the Cypress contest.
Barberena had six steals against Chaffey.
“During practice times, we have been working on our passes and quick shots, which allowed me to get a shot off during the Chaffey game,” said sophomore Jessenia Barberena.
Freshman Allyson Jimenez (Montebello HS) scored three strong goals from eight attempts. She had three assists and five steals.
ELAC travels to Walnut and plays Mt. San Antonio College on Wednesday, Sept. 6 with a 3 p.m. start.
The Huskies compete in the Saddleback Invitational Tournament on Friday and Saturday, TBA.
Game times will be updated at ELAC Huskies Athletics Facebook.
story submitted by Tadzio Garcia