Girls’ Water Polo Crushes Loomis Again
On Saturday, the girls’ varsity water polo team faced Loomis Chaffee for the second time this season. Big Red defeated Loomis once again by a final score of 9-4, helped by a home-turf advantage. With this win, Exeter has improved its season record to four wins and four losses.
Despite ending with a similar final score as the first game against Loomis, the game played out differently. Unlike last time, Exeter approached the game more aggressively. At the halfway point in the game, Big Red led the game with a score of 7-2. This margin was far greater than the slim 5-4 from its previous game. Many players attributed this shift to a change in attitude. Senior and co-captain Emily LaRovere explained that the game started out well because the team played more confidently and was able to “get into the rhythm quicker than the first game.” Lower Samantha Gove agreed with LaRovere, adding that the team “played strong the entire way through.”
Many different players shined throughout the game. Gove applauded upper Savannah Roth for scoring her first goal of the season. Roth scored within the last minute of the fourth quarter, making it the very last goal of the game. LaRovere also commended lower Ela Ferhangil for a dominant performance as goalie, even though it was her first time playing the position. Along with lower Elizabeth Madamidola, the two players have found success in replacing the previously vacant position of goalie.
Members of the team acknowledged the improvements they have made since the beginning of the season. Ferhangil explained that the team is becoming more aware and proactive especially in games. “Communication was particularly good, and everyone was moving and trying to get open for the ball,” she said. “I think that we have definitely grown more comfortable with each other and with the game.” Gove also praised the team’s improved offense, which allowed the team to “hit the ground running in the first quarter.” From previous games, the team recognized areas it has improved upon, such as passing. According to LaRovere, the team has strengthened its passing skills through practice. “We have been working on shooting and passing a lot,” she added.
Despite the triumphant win against Loomis, the players recognized areas they can develop further. Ferhangil explained that the team can work on taking more shots when it has the opportunity. “There are times when players get hesitant with the ball and are afraid to shoot,” she said. Gove echoed Ferhangil’s sentiments and also emphasized the importance of having a stronger defense to support the goalie.
This coming Saturday, Big Red will be facing both Deerfield and Greenwich at Exeter’s home pool. The team will be looking for redemption against Deerfield after narrowly losing to them earlier in the season. The water polo team also hopes to topple Greenwich, a historically strong group.
These coming games will be crucial in deciding whether Exeter will compete in the Liquid 4 Tournament at the end of the season. With support from members of the Exeter community, Big Red hopes to put on a great show this weekend.