(Walnut, CA) With a squad that is smaller in numbers than in past years, Mt. SAC Women's Water Polo coach Chris Jackson knows how important of a role every player will have this season.
The season is right around the corner with the first game on Friday August 31 at Cypress College. Game time is 3:00 pm.
"The 2018 Season is upon us," Jackson said. "they have been practicing all summer, but there is a lot of work to do."
There are only 11 players on this year's roster, with eight returning sophomores.
"We need every girl to be ready to step into a role and give it all they can," Jackson added.
Leading the sophomores is Erin DeAnda, who is a 2-meter driver and poured in 53 goals (45 assists) last season .
Miranda Silva, utility, was third in the team last year with 40 goals (53 Assists). Silva and DeAnda also recorded 53 and 44 steals last year, respectively.
Four more drivers return: Kaitlin Howard, Alyssa Moran, Rebecca Garcia and Paulina Luna, while Reannon Urias is utility.
Sophomore Kristi Mertins, who played at Santa Ana in her freshman season, will play goalie.
The three freshmen are Brianna Baker and Colleen Gamboa at utility and Janel Sepulveda as a driver.
Mertins and Sepulveda red-shirted last season.
The Mounties will play in three tournaments, starting with the West Valley College Tourney Sept. 14-15, then host the Mountie Classic, Sept. 21-22 at the Marie T. Mills Aquatic Center and finally the Ventura Tournament Oct. 5-6.
The eight-team South Coast Conference schedule begins with a game at Long Beach City College Wednesday, September 5th.
What the players said:
Paulina Luna – "Despite having less girls than the previous year, I believe that our bond and teamwork will lead us to great accomplishments this season."
Janel Sepulveda – "If we stay together and work hard we can finish the season really well."
Erin DeAnda – "Our goal, as always, is to win conference and set ourselves up for the So Cal championships."
Miranda Silva – "We just have to put the pieces together."
And Jackson praised Moran for her off season work ethic saying, "I'm very proud of the work Alyssa has put into the off season. She is one of the hardest working athletes I have."
Follow Mt. SAC Women's Water Polo on twitter @mountie_polo
Follow Mt. SAC Athletics on twitter @MtSAC_athletics or Facebook @Mountie.Athletics
For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.