Water polo scores season high in loss

Coach 'pleased with progress' despite losing

October 26, 2009
by Rob Small | Staff Writer

The Panthers water polo team lost to Fresno City College 16-4 on Oct. 15. at Hoos Pool. Even though their record fell to 0-9, coach Steve Hanson was happy with the team’s progress.

“I think it went pretty well,” Hanson said. “I know we lost by several goals but we’re making significant progress from where we were from the beginning of the year.”

Sophomore captain Kelly Birtwell played her last match at home and said that she’ll miss her coach and teammates.

“It was a little bittersweet,” Birtwell said. “I’m excited to move on and go on to university, but I’m going to miss SCC.”

Although the Panthers held their opponent scoreless in the third quarter and scored a season high four goals, Fresno City was the more organized team throughout the whole game.

“That’s a good team we played against,” Hanson said. “They play good hard-pressed defense.”

The Panthers finish up the season with road games against American River College on Oct. 21 and Diablo Valley College on Oct. 28.