STORY BY LARISSA SAMANO, SPORTS EDITOR
PHOTOS BY JESSE WILSON, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
With the Fall 2023 season beginning, the Cypress women’s water polo team is off to a successful start.
As a part of the Orange Empire Conference, the team will be heading into conference with a 6-3 overall record. The team is currently averaging 14.5 goals per game with 116 in total within the span of eight games.
Statistically, the team is blowing the majority of their opponents out of the water. Just two weeks ago, the Chargers beat Santa Monica 24-5 which was the biggest point gap they’ve had this season so far.
Not only are their stats showing their dominance, but they play with a sense of urgency and confidence. There are eight teams in the OEC conference, but only one can hold the title. This preseason is important for the Chargers to climb in state rankings but also prove why they are a strong contender this season.
Last season, the team lacked in the depth chart and there weren’t many sophomores to lead the girls, but with one year of college experience under her belt, they now have team captain Makalya Serrano.
When asked what has specifically worked to help the team win games, Serrano said, “Building our connection with each other is something that has helped.” She added, “Like coach says, women win when they’re happy”.
The team now has a handful of returners that gave the girls the opportunity to not only lead their freshmen, but grow their relationships with one another. It is important that this team plays as one and it has been working in their favor.
The connection the team has allows them to hold each other accountable and keep one another disciplined in order to achieve their goal of OEC champions.
The few losses that the women’s water polo team have has not discouraged them, but instead is helping them fine tune the little things for future matches. Some teams may fall and struggle after a loss, but this team doesn’t back down without a fight.
“We’ve been putting up good fights against top ranked teams,” Serrano said.
A long season is still ahead for the Chargers but they have a great foundation to start with. They are looking stronger with every match they play and are excited to put on a show this fall.
Visit https://cypresschargers.com/sports/wwaterpolo/2023-24/schedule to view the Women’s 2023 Water Polo schedule.
