Blair water polo team (Photo – Cindy Sass)
The Blair Lady Vikings water polo team won the Silver Division of the Ventura Friendlies Tournament hosted by Buena High, January 6-7, 2023.
By Scott Phelps
The team won all four of its games significantly over the two days by the following scores: vs Pacifica HS 15-5, vs Santa Paula HS 14-5, vs Channel Islands HS 14-2, vs Foothill Tech HS 13-7. The Silver Division is one level below the highest division, the Gold Division.
Coaches Jamie Lesnever, Mike Lesnever and Lisa Espinosa are very proud of the team! Coach J. Lesnever: “We started our season 0-4 but then have won 8 of our last 9 games. They won the Silver Division last weekend on solid team play. What I love about these girls is how they encourage and help each other. No single player carries our team, nearly every single player scored this weekend. They just wanted to have a season, now they want to make the CIF playoffs.”
The team had worked very hard to raise money at their Swim-a-Thon in early December so they could stay overnight at the tourney in Ventura. This was important to reduce the wear and tear of travel and conserve the players’ energies. Coach Lesnever said the stayover “was great. The girls have a lifetime memory.” Ella Lesnever, who was the top scorer with 18 goals in the 4 games, added “This weekend with the team is something I will always remember. I’m really proud of how we fundraised to go and stay over, and how we played hard each game. We believed in ourselves and winning our division is just so exciting, and exhausting.” Anabella Nuñez, team goalie, said “Being at this tournament for 2 days and winning 4 games gave us the perfect opportunity to better our defense and game play. Staying overnight helped us get more rest to take on the second day so we could win the Silver Division. Overall it was a really good bonding experience for our team, which was perfectly timed before our season starts. I think all of us girls definitely had a lot of fun!”
Cindy Sass, mom of team member Ava Sass, said “I know nothing about water polo, but I love watching this team play! It’s so exciting and heart-pounding watching them. I love it! Congratulations team!
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