The United Water Polo Club 14U brings home two 3rd place finishes this past week down in Orange County.
United 14U Girls brought home bronze in the Championship Division placing 3 out of 78 teams while the 14U Boys placed 3rd in the Classic Division.
United’s 14U boys defeated number 1 seed Santa Barbara 11-9 to secure 3rd place in the classic division.
Kai Baker, Michael Sorenson, Lico Yuno, Josh Winn, Joe Stanbridge, Nick Leung, Isaiah Osorio, Zack Populus, Dusan Djorkevic, Felipe Castro, Kai Inoue, Cayden Harris,Otis McAdams and Nathan Tran. Courtesy photo
The road to the semi-finals was anything but easy. After an early round loss to South Bay, United was able to upset Irvine Back Bay to secure a spot in the semi-finals. In the Earlier rounds, United scored victories over Socal Gold and Costa Mesa Aquatics.
Offensively, United was lead by Nick Leung, Lico Yuno, Kai Inoue, Cayden Harris, and Kai Baker. Joe Stanbridge and Michael Sorenson played strong 2 meter defense.
United 14U Girls was led offensively from Isabel Valaika, Olivia Slavens, and Hayley Bergstrom. Tess Ravelo and Madelyn Nollan provided key stops on defense. Goalie Josephine Niz was outstanding all weekend long blocking multiple penalty shots and scoring two full court shots.
“These girls have been playing together since September. Before they go to polo practice, they go to swim practice twice a week. When not playing polo they share game tape with each other. These girls have an amazing work ethic,” according to Coach Sean Nollan.