On Wednesday, Oct. 25, the Archie Williams girls Varsity water polo made a splash against the Redwood Giants in the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) semifinals at the Marin Academy pool facility. The Falcons are reigning MCAL champions and continued their triumphant ways by winning 11-2 against the Giants.
The Falcons shut out the Giants in the first half and put two balls in the back of the cage to take a 2-0 lead at halftime. Sisters Holly Hovey and University of California at Santa Barbara commit Loretta Hovey showing off their offensive skills by both scoring for the Falcons. Junior goalie Kaeley Sullivan played aggressive defense, coming out of the goal to intercept passes to keep the Giants scoreless throughout the first two quarters.
As the whistle blew to start the third quarter, the Falcons dove in with lots of energy and high spirits. Senior Ingrid Wahlstrom scored two of the Falcons four goals in the quarter with assists from Loretta. The Falcons continued to dominate on both sides of the pool and created a comfortable lead of 6-0.
“Having confidence and being collective and not getting too nervous is the key. Also knowing that we know how to play and we know how to win and execute it in the pool,” junior Avery Hinkelman said.
The Falcons carried their strong third quarter into the fourth. Avery scored back to back goals after only 10 seconds of gameplay in the fourth quarter to jump the Falcons score up to 8-0. As bench players began to sub in, the Giants were able to get two goals past the Falcons. This did not discourage the Falcons, as they added 3 more goals to their score.
“I think we really picked it up in the second half and worked as a team. I think in the first half, we weren’t really working as a team,” Loretta said. “And in the second half, we really got our heads in the game and when you work as a team, you win as a team.”
Despite the Falcons slow start, they were able to come together to beat the Giants.
“This year showed we play well as a team. We’re not just one or two pieces. Everybody contributes and today was key to that,” Head Coach Todd Duplanty said.
The Falcons soared to an 11-2 victory over the Giants and propelled them into the MCAL championship game.
“Obviously we want to win. We want to play in the finals. We want to win the finals,” Avery said.
The Falcons brought home MCAL champions last season and hope to retain their title again this season. They play the Marin Academy Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Marin Academy pool facility for the MCAL championship.
