Warriors Girls Water Polo ready to improve on last season's success

Oftentimes, success brings more challenges to a high school sports program, it also comes with more expectations.

Such is the case with the Fallbrook Union High School Girls Varsity Water Polo team.

“After placing second in Div. 2 last year and moving up to Div. 1, we are looking to be competitive within the division,” eight year head coach Sean Redmond said. “We are also looking to challenge for the Valley League championship this year.”

So far, he said, the team is off to a great start.

“Our practices have been very productive and getting the new players to understand what will be expected of them last year,” Redmond said. “I think that we will be using our bench a bit more this year with the greater depth that we have. Our first two games, after Thanksgiving, will give us a great indication as to what we will need to improve on and what we will need to keep working on.”

The Warriors were slated to go on the road in games against Mt. Carmel, Wednesday, Dec. 4, and Great Oak, Thursday, Dec. 5.

Assisted by Rich McKeown and Ken Brower, Redmond and the Warriors are working on several aspects of their game.

“Fallbrook has been known for its defense and speed,” Redmond said. “This year should be very much the same. We might not be as fast as we have been, but our defense should be very strong.”

He said the team has worked hard on being better conditioned leading up to their league games, “Which has improved in the last three weeks,” Redmond said. “Getting some more speed will also be important. We need to continue to improve in the handling and protecting the ball.”

The Warriors will be led this season by senior Anna Draves.

“Anna is one of our team captains and is a leader both in and out of the water,” Redmond said. “Her experience will be needed for the team’s success.”

Third-year varsity player and junior Paris Dowden will also be a key factor for the Warriors.

“She will be one of the players that will help set the tone for our team,” Redmond said. “Her speed and playing ability will help us to improve.”

Division II first-team player Sophia Wallace will continue to lead the Warriors.

“Sophia is a spark plug for the team,” Redmond said. “Her quickness and ability to find the open spots could be key to the team’s success.”

Redmond said newcomer Aina Piza-Serra has the skills and abilities to be a key player and third-year goalie Naomi Wood will help solidify the Warriors defense.

“With Naomi in the cage, we should have a strong defense,” Redmond said.

The Warriors will play next at Granite Hills, Dec. 10; Classical Academy, Dec. 12, and Helix at the Wave in Vista, Dec. 14.

Jeff Pack can be reached by email at [email protected].