The men’s water polo team finished in second place while the women’s team closed in sixth place during the Coast Conference Championship tournament.

Blood, sweat, chlorine and muscle cramps were the price De Anza’s water polo teams had to pay competing this season. After an entire fall quarter of practice, games and tournaments, both teams ended their season with the C.C.C. tournament.

“Getting second place at the end of the season was a huge achievement, and it truly portrays the amount of hard work we had to go through to get us there,” said Scott Reynolds, men’s water polo captain. “This is the highest

De Anza has placed in years so we should be happy with ourselves,”

During this quarter, both teams played at least 20 to 25 games. All time spent with the ball in the water improved not only physical strength among its players, but strength in loyalty and teamwork over time.

“The men and women both moved up seeds from the last year, so we all improved,” said Jane Kim, women’s water polo captain. “Individually, everyone improved whether it was speed, shots, awareness, strength or learning the game.”

Even though water polo season is technically over, the bright yellow ball is still in sight for its players and coaches.

“We do have off-season practice during winter three times a week,” said Reynolds. “Most of the players are also on the swim team which practices five times a week. It’s important we all stay in shape so we will be prepared for next year.”

Both teams share a plan for next year for returning and new players. They accept the challenge to improve their game of communication with each other.

“I honestly think, as a team, we lacked the ability to read each other,” said Kim. “We were able to coordinate and play but we didn’t know certain outcomes that would happen after a certain play or certainty of the ball after it leaves the hand.”

Reynolds said, “Our main weakness was not being aware of what is happening around one another, but I think we were able to understand this and fix it later in the season.”

Overall, the captains expressed pride for their teams.

“Everyone had fun and we tried to get the most out of everything. What you put in is what you get out, but you have to enjoy it too,” said Kim. “It’s not always about winning, but having a good time. It’s not where our destination is, but the journey. I think we had a good season. Friendships happened and memories were made.”