After a night of laughter and high spirits, the girls’ varsity water polo team defeated San Rafael High School (SR) with a score of 12-3 for their last game before the start of the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) playoffs. Undefeated throughout the season, the Giants played their final league game underneath the pink sky on Oct. 20, surrounded by red streamers and balloons for the senior night celebration. 

The first quarter began with strong offense from the Giants. Two early goals from senior Adella Frender and sophomore Giselle Orson were added to the scoreboard. About halfway through the quarter, SR counterattacked and scored, resulting in a one goal lead for the Giants. Bouncing back, the girls quickly recovered, attempting multiple shots on SR. Senior Sydney Moseley successfully scored two more goals, concluding the first quarter with a score of 4-1.

Entering the second quarter, SR came out fast, testing the Giants’ defense. Goalkeeper Stella Cico skillfully saved several shots, letting only one goal in. Ramping up their energy, the Giants focused on their passing and put three more shots in the back of the goal, ending the second quarter with a score of 7-2.

By halftime, Moseley had contributed four points for the Giants. Orson acknowledges her teammates’ hard work and ability.

“A shout out to [Moseley] and [Frender] because they’re super strong girls who can always turn their hips and get those shots in, and I think they did a really good job today,” Orson said.

The Giants dominated the third quarter with strategic offense and aggressive defense. Zoe Zedlitz, Kate DeForrest and Lainey Wank each added one more point to the scoreboard. The girls then held off SR for the quarter, with a concluding score of 10-2. 

Brian Monty, the varsity girls’ water polo coach, commented on the team’s impressive defense and skills during the game. 

“They’ve gotten incredibly good at playing defense and counter-attacking. That’s kind of our strength, because we play really good half-court defense and then we counter-attack,” Monty said.

In the final quarter, with their major lead of eight points, the Giants decided to have some fun switching up positions. Frender went in for goalie, while Cico played in attack. The teams both battled out the last quarter with two more goals from the Giants and one goal from SR, finishing the game with a score of 12-3.

Following the win, the team celebrated the seniors with cake, posters and flowers. Fans snapped photos as the girls embraced each other. 

After congratulating the seniors, Monty shares his thoughts on the emotional commemoration.

“It was bittersweet because it’s a really great group of seniors. They went undefeated in the regular season, and I’m so happy for them, but at the same time it’s a bummer that it’s coming to an end,” Monty said.

Moseley also appreciates her team’s bond and the special night prepared to celebrate her last season. 

“[This senior night] is so special because a lot of our team is younger girls, so we’ve been working with them all year and getting to know all of them. Just having them all around with these posters and flowers and everything is really adorable,” Moseley said.

Even with the positive outcome of the game, the girls’ water polo team cannot ignore the approaching MCAL playoffs. Ranked the number one seed, the Giants are currently preparing for their upcoming game next week. With other competitive teams in the running, the games will be intense. 

Even with tough opponents, Moseley is confident in her team’s ability to obtain victory because of all their hard work put in during the season. 

“The beginning [of the season] was a lot of practicing and getting ready with the new team and developing everyone to work together because a lot of [the girls] were new. But I think we’re locked in [now]. We’re ready to go,” Moseley said.