Water polo falls short despite valiant effort

By Ray Beasley |Staff Writer|

Despite an incredible comeback attempt during the final three quarters of the game, water polo lost their weekend match up on April 7 against Fresno Pacific, 13–15.

The Coyotes were trailing Fresno Pacific 1–6 after the first quarter but outscored their opponents 12–9 over the final half of the game. Despite the amazing effort the Coyotes made during the last half of the game, Fresno Pacific handed the Coyotes their 26th loss of the season. Fortunately, there were a few standout players hidden amongst the heartbreaking loss.

Misty Vu had an amazing game, leading the Coyotes in scoring with five goals. Her teammate Jasmine Duran, not far behind, contributed with three goals of her own. Meghan McCarthy, Shelby McCliman, Shelle Kocher and Kayla Barrow each added one goal apiece, to round out the top Coyote scorers for the game.

With nearly half the members of the team each scoring, this was a solid team effort. Being able to outscore the visiting team 12–9 throughout the course of the majority of the game shows the focus and ability this team possesses. Every member of the team gave it their best effort.

Unfortunately, even with their best efforts, the season has not been kind to the struggling water polo team and continues to be relentlessly unforgiving.

Despite all the negativity surrounding a failing season, the team continues to work hard each practice and game they are faced with. This can be seen in the sheer number of close games the team has been in throughout the course of the season. Although the team has suffered 26 losses, they have been within five points or less in ten of those losing efforts which demonstrates their tenacity.

Student Marques Stone said, “They seem to have heart, but they just need a way to close the games.” He also added jokingly, “Shoot, they just need to pass the ball to my girl Misty Vu more and pick up the D.”

It is clear that some of the college campus students still have hope for their underdog water polo team, regardless of what the scoreboard says. With their school supporting them and the clear ability to score as shown in this game, the Coyotes are bound to find success.

The Coyotes still have roughly 10 or more games to play this season, which gives them the opportunity to continue improving their game and find redemption.