Almost neck and neck throughout the entire match, De Anza College men’s water polo team dominated the pool with the win of 15-13 against Cabrillo College on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
The match began with a swimoff. Both teams raced to the middle of the pool after the ball drop and whistle blow. Driver Ryan Wilson outswam Cabrillo and gained possession of the ball.
With the Dons on offense, they drove into play by having man to man coverage. While treading or “egg-beating” in the water, the ball was passed strategically to the player with a better opportunity for first shot. Center Nick Sinzig scored De Anza’s first goal.
The game intensified with each shot from De Anza and Cabrillo. The first quarter ended with a 4-4 tie. Center Scott Reynolds scored two goals and driver Nikos Trembois scored one.
Coach Kevin Paulsen and the audience shouted to the Dons to encourage them not give up and stick to their defense: “Hands up!” “Keep up!”
“The game was definitely intense. I think it shows you cannot always assume how things are going to go,” said De Anza women’s water polo team captain Jane Kim, 20, major biology and minor in nursing.
The men continued a close game to the end of second quarter. The Dons needed to tighten their defense in order to maintain their lead.
By the end of the game, De Anza advanced by one point.
“Right now we need to work on man to man and taking time. Play high percentage compared to high risk. We tend to do better when we take the time to score instead of rush,” said Paulsen.
