Women’s Waterpolo Triumph over LASA in Opening Game

Jessica Wang, Heritage Section Editor| August 30, 2022

Shraddha Chaudhari ‘25 flings the waterpolo ball over the head of her competition, once again giving Westwood an edge over LASA. The pass propelled the team forward towards scoring as they knocked through the opposition’s defenses.

Jessica Wang

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Coach Matthew McBrearty discusses subbing in players with the waterpolo team between quarters. This gave less dominant players from last season the opportunity to score their first goals.

Jessica Wang

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With a consistent offense and defense, the Women’s Waterpolo team championed over LASA in a 17-5 win at the Micki Krebsbach Pool on Saturday, Aug. 27.

Abby Horsey ‘24 scored the first goal of the season, lifting the team ahead of their competition. She maintained her disposition throughout the game, scoring a total of four more times and assisting numerous more.

“My most impactful moment wasn’t me scoring,” Horsey said. “It was helping Jiya Dave ‘24 score her first goal and seeing how proud she was of that.”

The Warriors maintained their 14-4 lead in the third quarter, with several more goals scored by Shraddha Chaudhari ‘25 and a strong defense supported by Katherine Mayer ‘25.

After making state last year, water polo garnered more attention in the Westwood community. The team welcomed several new players this season, including Natalie Rychlikova ‘24 and Ava Nicosia ‘25.

“Before the game I was apprehensive [because] I didn’t know how we would do,” Valerie Zhang ‘24 said. “But after the game I was really proud of everyone. We were more open, we made a lot of efficient passes, and we scored well.”

Upon conclusion of the game, the team circled around to discuss teamwork tactics and what could be worked on for the rest of the season. Their win against LASA allowed them to apply what they learned in practice and prepare for future games against tougher opponents.

The girls take on Round Rock on Friday, Sept. 2, at the RRISD Natatorium.

Swim & Dive Team Breaks Records at Aggieland Swim Meet

After shaking off early fatigue, Phoenix Mielcarek '25 prepares to dive in for the victorious 200-yard freestyle relay. "I’m racing pretty well today," Mielcarek said. "I just swam my most fun event which was the 200 [yard] freestyle relay, we won that so I feel super proud and that was really cool."

Chasing the Podium: Swim and Dive Takes Second at Round Rock Invite

Jett Henson '28 powers through his backstroke event, refusing to let a goggle malfunction slow him down. With one eye squinting against the water and sheer determination on his face, Henson pushes towards the finish line.

Swim and Dive Races to Victory in MavWood Invitational

In a thrilling display of endurance, Alice Zhang '28 goes stroke for stroke with her McNeil competitor in the 500 yard freestyle. The two swimmers, mere inches apart, push through as they near the finish line. "“It was so challenging physically and mentally,” Zhang said. “You have to do all the strokes and it’s very tiring but you just have to push through for your teammates.”

Swim and Dive Floods Scoreboard at RRISD Fall District Opener

Jazzlyn Vaughan '26 launches majestically into the air in the diving event. Her graceful form and precise control demonstrates years of practice, as she momentarily defies gravity before elegantly piercing the water's surface.

Swim and Dive Makes Waves Kicking off the Season

Sports

In the first half of the game, Evelyn Bell '28 attempts to block a Hippo. The Warriors remained tied with the Hippo until the fourth quarter, when the Hippos surged ahead to win by a handful of points.

Varsity Girls Basketball Stomped Out by Hutto Hippos

Evelyn Bell '27 prepares to charge for the ball against the Hutto Hippos on Friday, Dec. 13. The Warriors went on to dominate the rest of the game, turning a two point deficit much larger.

JV Girls Basketball Emerges Victorious Over Hutto Hippos

Going in for a dunk, Luke Carpenter ‘26 puts the team up another 2 points against Manor on Tuesday, Dec. 10. The Warriors held a lead of 47-10 at the halftime mark, with a massive lead constantly throughout the game. “We had watched Manor play so we knew what to expect so we just wanted to come out and play hard regardless of the result,” Coach Rigney said.

Varsity Basketball Stampedes Manor Mustangs, Winning by More than Double

Guiding his team, Charlie King' 27 helps the offense get in formation. “I was directing the offense," and "Someone was having trouble getting into their position so I was trying to help them out so we could score a bucket.” King said.

JV Boys Basketball Secures Win Over Manor

Running toward the hoop, Miles Fustes '28 swerves his opponent. The Warriors kept up a good offense and defense throughout the game, allowing them to win 65-32.

Boys Freshman Orange Basketball Demolishes Manor by Double

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