The Spartan Girls Water Polo Team was back in the pool this weekend for a pair of tune-up games against area rivals Bridgeland and Cypress Ranch at the SBISD Natatorium ahead of District play starting this week.

vs. Bridgeland

This rematch of last year’s Area Championship was a tight game, with neither team letting the other settle into their offense. The Spartan defense was led by keeper Emmie Hanvey, who not only assisted Elizabeth Conner on the first Spartan goal but also blocked a penalty shot to end the first quarter to keep the score tied at one a piece. Conner scored in the second off a perfect pass from Avery Garcia, and soon after Garcia took advantage of Bridgeland foul trouble and scored to even the match at three going into the half.

The third quarter saw Bridgeland build a lead despite strong defensive plays by Hana Riley, Sarah Beth Roady, Molly Kate Minyard, and Elle Burke – the squad just couldn’t convert the opportunities they were creating to goals. Things worked better for the Spartans in the final period with Conner striking twice (off assists from Emily Pace and Minyard) and Hanvey scoring from half court with one second remaining. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to close the gap.

Final – Stratford 6, Bridgeland 9

vs. Cypress Ranch

The second game of the day saw the girls face a Cypress Ranch team that they’ve already matched up with several times this season. The Spartan defense was stout, including amazing saves in the net by Hanvey, strong defense in front of the goal by Minyard, and some great steals and blocks by Leah Claire Nall, Paige Buri, and Roady, but the team couldn’t rein in the Cy Ranch scoring. Hanvey connected with Conner for a length-of-the-pool assist and score, but the Spartans couldn’t muster more than that on offense.

Final – Stratford 1, Cypress Ranch 16

Next Up: The Spartans are fully into the regular season now, with a pair of games during the school week. Come see Stratford face off against Clear Creek this Tuesday (September 10th) at 6:00 pm and please join us for SENIOR NIGHT this Friday (September 13th), where the girls will host District rival George Ranch at 5:30 pm. All games this week are at the SBISD Natatorium. This packed week will be capped by Junior Varsity games at the Strake Pool on Saturday.