The562’s coverage of aquatic sports in Long Beach is sponsored by the Aquatic Capital of America Foundation.
The562’s coverage of Cabrillo Athletics is sponsored by the Cohn Family.
Cabrillo girls’ water polo is fresh off of their first playoff berth in over a decade as they look to build from last season with a young group of primarily sophomores.
“Most of my sophomores were with me last season, so being freshman last season and getting to hang around all of the juniors and seniors from last year they really got to pick up and get a sense of what the game is about and what they’re expected to do,” third-year coach Hailey Pederson said. “Just knowing the expectation of those other girls helps set up what they’re expected to do for this season.”
The Jaguars feature five sophomores, with just two upperclassmen in senior Vivian Alterete and junior goalie Aalanah Edwards. Those two will look to lead the way for a team with little varsity experience.
“(Alderete) has been the one that even helped carry us last season,” Pederson said. “And also our goalie (Edwards), she’s been doing great last season and is doing even better this season so far. So we’ll lean on mainly those two to lead the younger girls.”
Finishing 9-10 last season, the Jaguars were able to sneak into a playoff spot in the CIF Southern Section Division 6 wild card. Unfortunately, Cabrillo fell to Paloma Valley 13-3, but made history by breaking the school’s long drought.
They’re hoping to continue their success this season with a second consecutive playoff appearance, but will also look to be more competitive in the Moore League after finishing last in the past few seasons.
“We always try to shoot above and beyond with my team, especially since it’s the same girls we have from last season,” Pederson said. “We’re still setting up and getting things going for the season, but I set my expectations and they’re gonna try to keep up with the standard.”
The Jaguars will open their season on Nov. 14th at home hosting La Quinta at 4:00pm.
