GILROY—When looking back at the Cougars season, the question isn’t what they did this year, but rather what didn’t they?
Christopher finished second in the Monterey Bay League Pacific Tournament, won nine of its last 10 games and on Tuesday added more accolades to its stellar season as eight players received postseason honors—including Freshman and Sophomore of the Year. Eleven local athletes were recognized overall.
Last year’s Freshman of the Year, Malaya Santos, further established herself as one of the league’s best, earning the Sophomore of the Year honor. Santos was also named First Team All-League. Following a breakout rookie season, the always speedy and dangerous Sierra Ceballos received the Freshman of the Year award.
“Compared to other MBL schools having two or three weapons to score, the Cougars had an arsenal going beyond the starters,” CHS coach Jim Shuster said via email. “With an excessive amount of speed, it was almost impossible to stop us.”
Christopher finished with a 14-10 overall record and was unanimously voted to move up to the tougher Gabilan Division next season—an honor normally given to the team with the best league record. It was determined by league coaches, however, that Christopher had the more powerful team moving forward.
“This is quite an honor for a team only (4) years old,” Shuster said. “At first I was nervous having to go up against teams that have been around since the 60s, but then the thought of who we are and where are we going made the venture exciting.”
“To be the best you must be challenged by the best,” he continued. “We may not get to hang a championship banner in our gym the next few years, but we can say that the Cougars are moving up fast.”
Senior driver Natalie Garcia and teammate Ashley Irby—who led the league in assists—were named First Team All-League. Gilroy’s Ariane Lussier, junior 2-meter defender, was also named to the team.
Christopher’s Hannah Marquez, Nicole Andresen and Sabrina Seery as well as Gilroy goalie Vanessa Marquez were named Second Team All-League. This was Andresen’s first season playing not only water polo, but also goalie and is ranked in the Top 3 in league.
Sabrina Seery, senior utility, from Christopher and Gilroy’s Marissa Olimp, senior driver, were both named to the “Pursuing Victory with Honor” team.
