Godinez water polo team rebuilds and enjoys early season success

Godinez High’s girls water polo team with Coach Bruce Skibby. (Photo courtesy Godinez athletics).

Godinez High’s girls water polo team has gotten off to a fast start winning four of its first five matches.

The program was low in numbers but has built up the roster for the 2021 season, according to Coach Bruce Skibby.

“After a non-season in 2020, our program struggled to stay afloat,” Skibby said. “In June 2021 we only had four total players and have built it up to 12,” he said. “We are swimming strong and base our current success on our swim training. Being 4-1 at this point in the season will help this program build in the future.

“The girls are excited and proud to be here and know the league games will be difficult as most teams are in divisions above us. Nonetheless, this team will swim hard until the last quarter.”

Leading scorers have been Stephanie Hidalgo and Mia Lacy. Sisters Val and Jimena Cervantes have also stood out.

“Liana Gonzalez in goal has been excellent,” Skibby said. “She has blocked multiple five meter shots and communicates well.”

Godinez defeated Patriot 15-5, Orange 16-6 and 16-8 and Whitney 12-8. The team’s only loss was to Muir. The Grizzlies were without a starter who had a commmitment at a speech and debate competition.

The head coach and his players are trying to get the word out about the program.

“Our message was to come have fun and enjoy being part of a team and not to worry about winning or losing,” he said. “We had three join who didn’t really swim at all who actually played in our last game. Again,  we base most of our success on our swim training, the girls have really come a long way.”

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com