LBCC’s women’s water polo is back on top for the first time since 2006 following a defeat of back-to-back state champs Santa Barbara College on Nov. 29 during the final round of the state championships at the Aquatics Center on the LBCC campus.
The win wrapped up the team’s season with a 39-2 overall record and the number one team in the South Coast Conference.
Olivia Hurley, a sophomore, spoke about what the energy was like before the big game.
“We had the biggest speaker I’ve ever seen. Everyone was picking a song, playing music, and really just hyping each other up. It was just a lot of energy,” Hurley said. “We were pretty calmly confident going into it but there was a lot of energy leading up to it.”
Though the dominant water polo team is no stranger to the playoffs, the highlight of this year was the finals being held at the Vikings’ home pool.
“It was really cool. It was such a unique experience to be at home where we train every day. A lot of my family came and I know a lot of the other girls, all their family and friends and teammates all showed up for us and it was really cool to have that support throughout the game,” Hurley said.
The game was highly competitive and tied at 4-4 going into half-time. Utility player Lola Annear gave an insight on what head coach Chris Oeding told the team going into the second half.
“(He said) our defense was alright but pick up the offense. Make the shots that we were missing and yeah just correct the little mistakes we were making both offense and defense in order to beat them like we had already done before,” Annear said.
In the third period, the Vikings went on a 5-0 run that catapulted their momentum going into the final period.
“We definitely practiced all season that it’s not over till it’s over so we didn’t really think we had it until just before the last quarter ended because we definitely respect our opponent throughout the entire game until the buzzer goes at the end,” Annear said.
Jennifer Connelly and Olivia Slavens added two more goals for the Vikings in the fourth period. The Vikings only allowed Santa Barbara to score one last goal at the end of the 4th period to make the score 11-6 and clinch the State Championship title.
It was the perfect way for Olivia Hurley and eight of her fellow sophomores to end their water polo collegiate career at LBCC.
Hurley said she hopes the girls who choose to join the team next year are dedicated and work hard to keep the dominant record alive but that above all they enjoy the experience.
“Just work hard, show up and just take time to enjoy it. It’s really been the most unique experience that I’ve had so far and just so enjoyable,” Hurley said. “Really take advantage of all the friendships and connections you’re making.”
Mar Bernal, a freshman who came from Spain to play for LBCC, said she’s already looking forward to next season.
“I’m excited because I think we have really good freshmen this year and we also can play really good next year. Also Coach Chris is gonna get new girls from different places and yeah i’m really excited for next year.”