Both the girls and boys water polo teams competed against Prosper on Aug. 30 in their first district games of the season. The boys team won 20-11 and the girls won 11-10.

“[The Prosper girls team] came out more rough than we were expecting,” center Kinnick Kooken said. “A lot of us got kicked and grabbed, but we adjusted well and we matched their intensity.” 

Both teams played against Prosper during preseason games and tournaments in preparation for this season. The girls team played against Prosper Aug. 24th and lost 7-9, and the boys team played against Prosper Aug. 23rd and won 19-9.

“[The girls team] definitely has had to work hard [this season], but our teamwork has been really good.” Left attacker Arabella Arredondo said. “If we continue, we’re going to do really good this season.”

The boys and girls team collectively lost 15 former players from last season. While both teams have had to adapt because of this, head coach Donzie Lilly said they’re quick to learn and athletic, leaving room for opportunity. 

“As [the varsity teams] go through pre-season and district season, it’s all about building, learning, and growing, so that we are as prepared as possible for postseason play,” Lilly said. 

Lilly said the boys team started preseason shaky, but has been working hard to improve by scrimmaging and practicing often. Utility Brayden Guilbault said players having a consistent workout has helped performance, as well as time for rest.

“We’ve really just been trying to come [into the season] strong and aggressive,” Guilbault said. “We haven’t always, but now we’re starting to.”

The girls game was a close contest, with the teams battling back and forth. Lilly said 

that while the girls roster this year is young, they’re tactical and promising. 

 “These kids are seeing the game at a different speed,” Lilly said. “They’re playing the game at a high level, making incredibly athletic plays and they are very driven.”