DVC Water Polo is looking at another successful year, ending with the men’s team spiking a win at conference for the fourth consecutive season, placing 3rd in state after a brutal victory against West Valley. Women’s water polo placed 3rd as well against Merced and won first in conference.
Getting there wasn’t easy either; last year women’s water polo placed 4th in conference and 5th in NorCal. “Overall, our sophomores improved and we received a large influx of freshmen which strengthened our team,” observed women’s head coach Rick Millington. Five made All American, among them, Taylor Henry, who made All State and Katie Campbell, who also made All State and is ranked as the best goalie in Northern California.
The road to victory in State wasn’t easy either; the Lady Vikings were constantly haunted by Merced for not just the State, but NorCal as well. Originally the Vikings lost to Merced in overtime in NorCal.
The Vikings got vengeance for this defeat in the match for third place in state. Merced turned up the heat for a fierce game leading to sudden death. Thankfully, Katie Campbell kept up the saves until the spot was clear for a decisive victory.
That break was made by none other than All American Nicole Meyer who passed to All State awarded Taylor Henry, for the game winning goal.
Men’s water polo also placed third in state against a similar NorCal nemesis, West Valley. Leading 5-3 at the half, but ultimately losing 5-11 in NorCal. They had their revenge after taking home 3rd in state after winning in a 13-10 struggle.
Victory for Vikings’ Water Polo is reflecting in not just their training; it’s reflecting on them as students. Of all sports teams, DVC Water Polo teams have a team roster with an average GPA exceeding 3.0, and offers for students from various 4-year universities. “Expectations are always clear,” explains men’s head coach John Roemer, “Every student is immediately made aware of what he has to do in order to be a part of the DVC team.”
A DVC team that is building a community, through wins against teams from all over the nation; DVC Vikings Water Polo has played more 4-year schools than any other junior college in California.