The first week of water polo was a BIG week for the Spartan girls. They played 8 games, scored 31 goals, smashed 29 saves, initiated 9 new players, and christened a new coach, Maggie Albers, on the maiden voyage of UIL Girls Water Polo. Joining Coach Albers on the bench were returning head swim coach (formerly assistant coach) Casandra Brisbin and new swim/water polo assistant coach Blocker Duncan.

Scrimmage

Tuesday was scrimmage day against Cy Creek JV and Varsity teams. The incoming first-years gave a solid debut effort: Elizabeth Conner (fr), Emmie Hanvey (fr), Molly Kate Minyard (fr), Leah Claire Nall (fr), Lilli Oteiza (fr), Sarah Beth Roady (soph), Bella Smith (fr), and Caroline Steranko (jr). They were supported by returning players: Lily Askounis, Avery Garcia, Emma Jackson, and Hana Riley. Scoring were freshman Elizabeth Conner and Emma Jackson (twice) with assists from Lily Askounis.

Playing in the Varsity scrimmage: co-captains Ashley Cooper and Caroline Smith, Gwendolyn Beach and Ashley Cardin, with Askounis, Garcia, Jackson, Riley, and Roady rounding out the squad. Scoring: two points from junior Jackson with a heroic (near) half-court shot in the first period, senior Cooper and junior Askounis each with a point apiece. Senior goalie Caroline Smith recorded 6 saves.

Cypress Fairbanks ISD Varsity Water Polo Tournament

Tuesday was a necessary warm-up for the Inaugural Cypress Fairbanks ISD Varsity Water Polo Tournament at the CFISD natatorium in Cypress. That’s where 12 area girls teams competed in round robin and then single elimination play Thursday and Saturday. Stratford showed marked improvement throughout Thursday’s 4-game marathon: Cy Creek, up first, ended much like Tuesday’s match-up: a lopsided score with the Cougars snaring a victory. Emma Jackson scored the lone Spartan goal. It was a much closer second game against Tomball Memorial HS with strong defensive play and solid offense. Cooper and Askounis each scored two goals and Jackson had one. Smith had 7 saves. Game three against Clear Springs was a successful demonstration of teamwork and hard work. Scoring for the Spartans: singles for Gwendolyn Beach, Ashley Cooper, Ashley Cardin; and Emma Jackson, Lily Askounis got the hat trick. Five goalie saves for Smith. Final score 7-3 Stratford. That win opened the door to Saturday single-elimination play. Thursday ended with a tough battle against cross-town rival Memorial HS. Scoring from Askounis, Sarah Beth Roady, and Cooper with assists from Cooper and Hana Riley. Three saves for Smith.

Single-elimination Saturday started off with a redux against Tomball Memorial and a better outcome than the first. Goalie Caroline Smith recorded 12 saves, Gwendolyn Beach played heads up defense and scored a goal, Emma Jackson made tracks with multiple steals and two goals, and Lily Askounis found the sweet spot scoring 5 goals with two assists from Hana Riley and one from Beach. Final score 8-3. Advancing to the next round to play…Cy Creek. The ending was as expected but teamwork and effort were evident every single quarter. Emma Jackson scored the sole goal, everyone in the pool left all they had in the pool, many shots on goal just didn’t go in. The second half introduced up-and-coming goalie Bella Smith, freshman and sister to senior Caroline. Both Smiths recorded two saves each.

The Stratford Girls Water Polo team has two days to rest up before jumping back in the pool on Tuesday to prepare for the annual Spring Branch ISD Invitational Tournament running Thursday, August 18 through Saturday, August 20 the SBISD W.W. Emmons Natatorium [10404 Tiger Trail 77043] and the CFISD Nat [12550 Windfern Rd 77064]. Spectators and curiosity seekers are encouraged to come out and watch a game or two!