Girls team features veteran leadership, boys looking to grow
By Marc David
The Gilroy girls and boys varsity water polo teams are a study in contrasts.
Whereas the girls return all but one swimmer from last year, the boys are in rebuilding mode.
Coach Andy Been was disappointed to lose two of the girls scheduled scrimmages. He was happy to get a late invite to the Lincoln High tournament last weekend. The Mustangs went 1-2, but came away with competitive action that provided Been with some answers.
He learned that sophomore Lauren Van Herk, a goalie last year, could provide good 2-meter defense. It gives Gilroy, in essence, two goalies in the pool at one time. Junior Talia Lauber has taken over as first-team goalie.
The Mustangs, who have 15 girls on the varsity, have plenty of scoring punch in Jenny Ailes (10 goals) and Kelly Been (seven goals). They also return speedy meagan Collett, 2-meter defender Cassie Collum and defensive player Alex Mara. Lauren Beaty gives Been what he feels seven solid players.
“We expect to be improved from last year,” said Been, a fourth-year coach, of his team which finished in the middle of the Tri-County Athletic League. “Santa Catalina’s the top team in our league, but I feel we can compete with any other team. We played Valley Christian tough, trailing 10-8 at one point (they lost 16-8).
“It was tough because we played two games in one day. There’s nothing like back-to-back games to get you in game shape. We needed game experience and we were able to get that in the Lincoln tournament. This is the third year for many of the girls and I expect them to take the next step.”
On the other hand, Tom Clark has a young, inexperienced boys’ team. He returns second-team all-league Austin Gubrud at 2-meter defense, but only three others have significant experience. That means Daniel Shields, Nick Campelli and Ethan Fortuna will have to carry much of the load.
It’s a far cry from two years ago when 10 four-year seniors carried the team to within one-half point of the CCS playoffs.
“More than half the team is freshman and sophomores,” Clark said, including the junior varsity players. “It’s a rebuilding year. We need experience. We’re hoping the young kids develop.”
San Benito, Robert Louis Stevenson and Carmel are the top league teams, according to Clark. And the Mustangs are still looking to get in the pool competitively for the first time this season.
Gilroy Girls Water Polo
Jenny Ailes, jr.; Kelly Been, jr.; Meagan Collett, soph.; Cassie Collum, sr.; Lauren Van Herk, soph.; Alex Mara, jr.; Talia Lauber, jr.; Lauren Beaty, sr.; Sarah Barnett, jr.; Lauren Castruita, jr.; Majesta Campbell, jr.; Marie Fisher, jr.; Summer Luther, jr.; Kaitlin Muraoka, soph.; Katie Whittaker, jr.
Schedule
(all games 3:30 p.m.)
September
6, at Robert Louis Stevenson; 12, Monterey; 27, Carmel.
October
2, at Notre Dame; 5, Santa Catalina; 10, at Salinas; 16, Watsonville; 26, at San Benito.
Gilroy Boys Water Polo
Austin Gubrud, sr.; Nick Campelli, sr.; Daniel Shields, jr.; Ethan Fortuna, jr.; Kyle Dickson, jr.; Kenny Kretz, sr.; Eric Boe, jr.; Kyle Nettleblad, jr.; Corey Nettleblad, jr.; Matt Dickson, soph.; Brad Scherk, soph.
Schedule
(all games 3:30 p.m.)
6, at Robert Louis Stevenson; 12, Monterey; 27, Carmel.
October
5, at Palma; 10, Salinas; 16, at Watsonville; 26, San Benito.
