The562’s coverage of aquatic sports in Long Beach is sponsored by the Aquatic Capital of America Foundation.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly is sponsored by Bryson Financial
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
The Wilson girls’ water polo team wrapped up a seventh straight Moore League championship (and 18th in 19 years) last week with a big win over Long Beach Poly on Senior Night. As storm clouds gathered off the coast, the Bruins celebrated their seniors and the championship with a 23-5 win.
“We’re happy for our seniors, for us we want to be playing our best water polo at the end of the season,” said Wilson coach Barry O’Dea. “I love seeing our girls making plays. Poly brought energy and they bring the best out of our girls. We’re on right now. We’re dangerous right now.”
The Bruins seniors Jermonie Billingsley (Long Beach State), Emily Cribari (Fresno State), and Pippa Heaver (UC Irvine) are all Division 1 signees with bright NCAA careers ahead. They each scored against Poly, with Cribari putting up six goals and Billingsley netting four goals, and four steals/field blocks. Heaver had a hat trick in the win as well.
“It’s always really fun playing Poly, everyone in our city comes out, it’s always an anticipated game,” said Billingsley. “We’re playing really well with each other, we’re in sync and I think we’re ready to go for playoffs. We’re excited to come out and show everyone who we are.”
The Bruins led 5-0 after one quarter and 15-2 at halftime, with Poly’s only scores coming from senior Anna Mor and senior Alyssa Greenwood. Wilson goalie Teagan Shandrew-Pearshall had eight saves in the game. Poly goalie Paige Elder had five saves in the game.
