Southwest Division Championship 4/9-4/10

The Women’s Club Water Polo team entered the Southwest Division Championships with a second place standing and the desire to win. After Spring Break, the Tritons had implemented extra practices and trained with the force of a great typhoon. The day had arrived, and the Tritons had never been so ready.

The first game was against the sixth place seed, the University of Arizona. The Tritons started the game out strong, scoring many goals during the first quarter and gaining a strong lead. They were able to maintain this lead throughout the game and hold off the Wildcats. The Tritons won 16-7, and were warmed up to play their next opponent, Arizona State, the only team keeping them from facing San Diego State.

When the Tritons played the Sun Devils last, their game went into double overtime and then sudden death. Even though the Tritons had won, they were nervous about playing the Sun Devils again, because they knew a win was necessary. The game started out with two quick shots from the Sun Devils, leaving the Tritons down by two in only a couple of minutes. However, those shots were answered by four shots from the Tritons, giving them a two point lead by the end of the first quarter. From there, the Tritons kept their lead, and although the Sun Devils got close to catching up a couple of times, the Tritons held them off for a 14-10 win.

The day that everybody had been waiting for had arrived. The Tritons were playing the Aztecs for the division championship. Even the sun had come out to watch this game. The game started off rough for both teams, balls were being stolen and shots were barring out. At the end of the first quarter, the score was only 4-2 Aztecs. Both teams were playing excellent defense and were getting very tired. The score remained close for the first half. However, during the second half, the Tritons were kept from scoring any new points, and the Aztecs pulled ahead, leading to a devastating loss for the Tritons 4-11.

The Tritons ended the season in second place, with a 12-3 record. As a graduating senior, all I can say is I am very proud of these girls. They worked so hard throughout the season, and although the Aztecs were our kryptonite, these girls were so dedicated and passionate that I know they will continue being a formidable team next year. Go Tritons!