Water Polo Program’s First Year Deemed Successful

After a long season, the womens water polo team played its final two games Saturday, April 9. The Lions competed against Cal State University East Bay and Fresno Pacific University for what was to be their last chance to qualify for NAIA Nationals. However, these two games were not easy for the Lions, as they were defeated in both.

“We’re excited to see how we can compete against East Bay and FPU. It’s going to be a challenge to compete at our two games this weekend, but we’re going to give it our all out there and perform to the best of our ability,” sophomore Ektaa Niijar said.

The Lions were dominated in a sweep for the Pioneers, ending the game with a final score of 3-20. The Lions then took on the Fresno Pacific University Sunbirds in another tough battle out in the pool. The Lions lost to the Sunbirds by ten points, concluding the game with a score of 3-13. These two losses ended the womens water polo team’s season.

“I feel great that we have come this far! We really have come a long way. I feel extremely proud to have gone into this weekend playing with the girls we have,” junior team captain Samantha Hawkins said.

This was Vanguard University’s first womens water polo team, so there is plenty of room for improvement. The Lions had a difficult season dealing with team dilemmas and technical problems with the practice facility.

The Lions ended their first season with a record of 3-20 and high expectations to improve next year’s season.

The Lions played their best this season, but expect to see them improve next season. It will be another step in a positive direction to building a well-rounded program for women’s water polo.