By Jorge Serrano Pacheco (J-101 Staff Writer)
Water Polo wrapped up the fall season with an overall record of 1-10 and a conference record of 1-8.
When the season started, the team had 15 players, but the team ended up with nine players.
Although East Los Angeles College took several beatings in the season, head coach Kimberly Diana Romero noticed the team multitasked, grew and improved.
“Both captains were the glue to stick the team together. Alexis and Vicky were a great help,” said Romero.
The two captains were freshmen wing Vicky Zia- Lopez and freshmen goalkeeper Alexis Sifuentes.
“This year we started off with a new group (that had) no water polo experience,” said Romero. Lopez, Sifuentes, and Romero managed to keep the team alive and committed.
ELAC took its only win at home against Pasadena City College with a score of 5-0.Throughout the season, water polo gave everything they had. unfortunately they ended with an overall record of 1-10.
“This year we started off with a very new group. They didn’t really play water polo in the past. Everyone else, as well, never played before. We had a fresh new team.” said Romero.
Romero also said the team learned everything and improved throughout the season.Romero said one of the games that stood out was against El Camino College.
“We were losing by four and I knew we would win if we would get it together, but it was too late. We let in too much goals. It was a good game to watch. We were tied at one point,” said Romero.
Romero said practice would have benefited the team. There were times where not enough players showed up to have a complete practice. Another factor that affected the team was the short amount of time they had to practice. Water polo had two weeks to practice before the season started. Both captains said the season served as a learning experience.
Sifuentes said that she learned this sport is tiring, however, she still had fun. She also said she will play next year and will have a better season.
“It was my first year being a captain and it was challenging to keep the girls working together and motivated them to finish the season. It taught me to be a team player and handle situations under pressure,” said Lopez.
Although Lopez said she enjoyed the season, she said she won’t be participating next year.
The water polo team said they learned a lot about commitment, teamwork and multitasking.
“I really enjoyed watching the team grow as people,” said Romero.
For the next season, water polo will start recruitment early. They will also start practice early and have a higher roster number. Through these adjustments, Romero said she hopes to have a better season.