With additional reporting by George Laase.
The Culver City High School girls water polo team is hoping to have a successful season after winning four out five matches last week in the Los Altos Tournament.
In the first round, they beat Valley View 16-2, and in the second, they knocked off Fullerton 9-3.
In their third game they beat Montclair 13-2 and their fourth win of the tournament was a 9-0 win over Roland.
In the finals they lost to Mayfield 11-5.
The biggest challenge the Centaurs face is the always tough Ocean League. Santa Monica is the team to beat, and El Segundo is solid. “It’s early but our goal is to make the CIF playoffs,” said head coach Nestor Dordoni Sr. after practice on last Monday. “The girls have been practicing very hard every day.”
Coach Dordoni said that with two weeks off between matches, “I hope that does not affect our timing.”
One benefit he can count on will be a high number of players who have signed up for the season.
Sixteen varsity players and 25 junior varsity players will wear the Culver City uniform.
At the top of the varsity list will be senior captains Lily Gardner, Tara Hillard and Amber Kennedy and goalkeeper Campbell. “Grace is really playing well,” said Dordoni.
Every youth and high school team in America needs help from volunteer parents. Curtis Rooks is the parent who has stepped up for the girls water polo teams is Curtis Rooks.
“Whatever I need him to do, he will do it,” said Dordoni. “He helps us coach and a lot of other things. We are fortunate to have him.”
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com
Mr. Laase may be contacted at GMLaase@aol.com
