Girls Water Polo Recap

Daniel Richens | Writer

March 3, 2015

It’s not over until it’s over and the same is true of this year’s girls waterpolo season.

The San Clemente girls waterpolo team capped off a great season losing a close one to rival El Toro 4-5 in the CIF Championship game at Woollett Aquatics Center in Irvine on Saturday.

“Before the game we had a meeting agreeing that no matter the outcome of the game, as long as we gave it everything we had we would be happy,” said senior Cassidy Smithson. “And we did!”

SCHS finished the season impressively record of 6-2-0, and an overall win to loss ratio of 19-8-0. Leading the Tritons all year was Amber McCutcheon with a season total of 107 goals, and 19 steals,  including a big goal in the CIF Championship game. Smithson had a standout all-around season as well with a total of 51 goals, 45 assists, and 46 steals.

“It was an emotional game,” Smithson said about the CIF Championship. “But we were happy to make it there and give a good fight.”

It wasn’t the first time the Tritons had squared off against the Chargers as they had gone 1-1, splitting the series overall. The first match between these two competitive South Coast League teams was a tough fight for the Tritons, as they ended up losing 7-8.

The Tritons were seeking redemption, and had the chance for it a month later on February 10. In their second league matchup against El Toro, the Tritons put up a fight. Junior goalkeeper Hylah Prussak had an outstanding game for the Tritons and protected the net by securing 12 saves. San Clemente’s whole set, and main scorer, junior Amber McCutcheon, scored three goals out of the seven scored for the game.  The Tritons took the victory 7-5.

The future looks bright for the red and black as they are graduating only four seniors from their CIF Championship runner-up team. Good luck next season Tritons!