Girls Water polo sink Righetti on senior night with a 19-5 win

With municipal pool stands dressed out in pink, and signs hanging from every hand, the four seniors of the Bearcat girls water polo team strut out across the pool deck on a joyful October 4th. The coaches’ broken microphone and speaker didn’t stop the  seniors from making their way out, confidently, past cheering family and friends. As all the seniors reached the end of the pool, they took a quick look around and grabbed each other’s hand as they took their last jump into the cool autumn water together.

These seniors included Leanna Reed, Sarah Rodriguez, Erika Enriquez, and Ashlee Holt. The girls, along with their team, swept Righetti with a 19-5 win. Since the game was on a Wednesday, the seniors decided they would theme their game with the iconic phrase, “On Wednesdays we wear pink,” to show support towards breast cancer awareness.

Throughout the game, the seniors made up 42% of the 19 goals. Reed and Enriquez both scored three goals each with Rodriquez scoring two. Enriquez and Holt also assisted the win with key steals. During the season, the seniors most commonly were described as responsible, role models and leaders to their team. “I believe the seniors were huge role models this season…We were able to set the tone for how the season will go. We have a sense of accountability about ourselves and always strive to make our team and us the best version of ourselves,” Reed said.

 Holt also attested to this by describing the family they had become over the season. “Throughout this season we have truly become a big family! I’m so thankful that we have been able to be a part of this team, with such great teammates…it’s amazing seeing the younger girls grow into such amazing people and players,”said Holt.

Currently, the Bearcats are 4th in league behind Arroyo Grande, Santa Ynez and Morro Bay.  They have two more games before they will know their true standing. The Bearcats will play both away games: SLO on October 18th, and AG on the 20th.

What’s Next?

Captain Leanna Reed plans to continue with this sport after high school. “It would be a dream of mine to continue my waterpolo career. I’ve fallen in love with the sport and am not quite ready to let it go yet. I’m not sure where I’ll play yet, but I’m excited for the opportunity to continue doing something I care about.”

The same applies to Sarah Rodriguez. Rodriguez currently plays wing and flat for the Bearcats.  ”I plan on joining a club team at whatever college I get accepted to,” Rodriguez said.

Senior Erika Enriquez plans on also pursuing waterpolo by using her Cuesta promise and playing on the Cuesta polo team. Enriquez would like to continue playing mainly offense.

Lastly, Ashlee Holt, an amazing overall player for the Bearcats, doesn’t plan on pursuing polo unless the opportunity for a scholarship comes up. 

Photos by: Savannah Rickard

Featured Image by: Avery Mathers