2 minute read
SYHS Girls Waterpolo win against Cabrillo
Girls water polo team wins at Cabrillo for their first victory in 16 years
The team includes Coach Michelle Kee, Anonda Main, Val Del Solar, team captain Annie Ackert, Isabella Curti, Lili Torres, Assistant Coach Kieran Graner, Jayde Maniscalco, Peyton Pratt, Taye Luke, Ally Alderete, Layna King, Kylie Luke and Assistant Coach Tracy Maniscalco.
Photos Contributed
Advertisement
SYHS girls water polo, soccer and basketball and boys soccer have CIF playoffs in their sights
By Raiza Giorgi publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com
This was just that day where we played a little stronger. It was a phenomenal game to watch, and both teams brought everything they had,” said assistant coach Tracy Maniscalco.
On Jan. 17 the Santa Ynez girls water polo team beat rival Cabrillo High School for the first time in 16 years, according to school officials.
“The girls have played really well in league and in non-league and have put themselves in position to qualify for CIF playoffs as an at-large team,” said SYVUHS Athletic Director Cris Avery.
As the end of their regular seasons approach, four of the high school’s six winter sports programs are within reach of the
CIF playoffs.
“Girls soccer and girls basketball are both in first place, boys soccer and girls water polo is in fourth place,” Avery said.
Water polo head coach Michelle Kee
Team captain Annie Ackert defends against a shot during the victory against Cabrillo on Jan. 17.
said that in her first year of coaching she has seen tremendous improvement in the team. As a former SYVUHS water polo player, she knows how great the accomplishment was, to win that game in Cabrillo’s pool.
“The girls did so amazing, and this year has been full of learning for all of us, but we all came together,” Kee said.
The team’s record as of mid-January was 12-5.
“I have coached basketball and softball but never water polo. Along with head coach Michelle, who was a player but never coached, we make a great team. It’s teaching the girls about bringing your strengths and working together,” Maniscalco said.
Maniscalco said part of the fun has been teaching the older players to be leaders in and out of the pool.
“We encourage them to support the younger players, and they do team-building events together even without us,” Maniscalco said.
