The Westwood Mens’ Water Polo Team opened their season against previous State Finalists Southlake Carroll at the RRISD Natatorium on Friday, Aug. 11. From the start, it was clear that it was going to be a fiercely competitive battle between two teams coming off successful seasons.  Surprisingly however the game was unfavorable toward the Warriors and ended in a 17-1 loss. 

Despite the score difference, the boys used the game as an opportunity to learn how to work together as a team with a lot of new players. Even through hardship they found many successes, including improved transitioning, solidifying defense to create difficult ball maneuvering for the other team, and barely missing attempted shots by hitting the goal rim—even after not having any goals to shoot on during the first week of practice. 

Goalie Cole Osborn ‘25 played a huge role in shouldering the defense for Westwood. 

“I do think I probably could’ve made a few more saves if I had a bit more time to practice,” Osborn said. “But we’re getting the goals this coming week, so I’m very excited for our next game because I think I’m gonna be better prepared for it.” 

After failing to score for the first three quarters and with 27 seconds left on the clock in the final, Freddy Browarski 24’, one of the top scorers on the team, delivered the opening goal for the Warriors. Cheers thundered from the sidelines as the ball cruised through the net and added a point on the scoreboard for the Warriors, ending the shutout. 

“We wanted to have that goal, it was the one way we wanted to finish out the game.” Browarski said. 

Although the game finished in a loss, the Warriors gained a good deal of experience and greater insight for future improvement.

The Warriors will compete in their next tournament in Dallas on August 17-19.