Huskies Down Lancers for First Win

by Cerwin D Haynes

Coming into this season, East LA College Women's Water Polo head coach K. Diana Romero knew this year's crew would have a tough time following up on last year's team that set a bevy of high-water marks for the program, including wins.

Despite a tough September, the ladies of the pool have kept their spirits above-water. They were finally able to unleash some Pack-like mentality on the visiting Lancers of Pasadena City: leading 11-7 at the half, ELAC used a strong third quarter, outscoring the Lancers 6-1 to pull away from PCC. Two goals in the fourth kept the Huskies in safe waters as they went on to beat Pasadena 19-11. Huskies scoring leader, freshman UT Magaly Melgar, had six goals in the win.

ELAC, playing in its 12th game of the year, faced a Lancer team that was only in their fourth game of the year. Coach Romero thought the early-season experience was an advantage today.

"I think that it shows when it comes to...their IQ of the game," said Romero. "Because that we had such hard games early on, I think it really contributed to how they came out with more confidence in executing plays."

Coach also noted that the team has surprised her in many ways despite their early-season difficulties. "They have been very, very dedicated," Romero complemented. "They do not miss practice, at all. They always show up every day - something that I want [our] future teams to be."

HUSKY BITS

• Freshman UT Emma Dear had four goals in the win. Isabella Media found net three times, while Brisa Ayala and Megan Hayashida each scored twice
• GK Camilia Zacarias - the same Camilia repesented the Green at last spring's State swimming championships - earned her first victory in front of the net with 12 saves.

UP NEXT:

The Pack will have a week off before they go to Cerritos next Wednesday. After that, they'll be in Santa Monica for a mini-tourney on Friday the 18. They'll return home in two weeks to host Chaffey on October 23rd at 3pm.