Region Quarterfinals vs. Cy-Ranch at CFISD Natatorium 10/18

The season ended for the Spartan Girls Varsity Water Polo Team last Tuesday with the best finish in Stratford’s UIL history – Area champs and an invitation to the Regional Quarterfinals. It’s always difficult for a season to close, lose or win. This has been a heads-held-high year. Call it a win.

Senior co-captains Ashley Cooper and Caroline Smith have led the team through words and actions; add in the two other senior leaders, Gwendolyn Beach and Ashley Cardin, and this group of four played their best water polo ever. Cooper directing traffic and making plays, Beach's stellar offense and defense never tiring and always on the move, Cardin discovering her scoring arm, and Smith’s mighty strength and power in the goal box with monster blocks and spectacular saves every game. Juniors Emma Jackson and Lily Askounis added more experience and maturity to the mix; Jackson never missing an opportunity to force a turnover with a steal or interception and wielding a mean outside shot; Askounis holding her ground in the brutal set position and finding a sweet inside shot. Sophomores Avery Garcia and Hana Riley rounded out the starters contributing fierce defense and creating multiple scoring opportunities. Sophomore Sarah Beth Roady and freshman Elizabeth Conner demonstrated the depth of the team with Roady adding a spark on both ends of the pool and Conner unveiling a powerful midrange shot. Freshmen back-up goalies Emmie Hanvey and Bella Smith were always ready for action, marking their own succession of banner blocks and super saves.

The JV girls played often in Varsity games contributing heads-up defense and emerging offense: Lindsay Wong, Caroline Steranko, Molly Kate Minyard, Lilli Oteiza, and Leah Claire “LC” Nall. Under the guidance of head coach Maggie Albers and assistants Casandra Brisbin and Blocker Duncan, the Stratford Girls Water Polo Team is well-set for a strong UIL future.

No rest for the weary – the water polo team is back in the pool training for the already-underway swimming and diving season. Next swim meet: Thursday evening in Tomball against Tomball Memorial and Dulles.

We are so proud of you. Go Big Green!