Water Polo and Softball: Teams Excel At Districts

Photo Credit: JP PORTRAITS

BY ANDY MORALES

Cooper City High has always had a tradition of extremely talented athletes and this was showcased with our very own Cooper City Boys and Girls Water Polo as well as our Girls Softball team winning districts. With each team winning districts in their respected game, they’ve made Cooper City High extremely proud.  Now every team is focusing hard on regional’s and hopefully states.

As our boys’ water polo team was making their way to districts, there was excitement and anticipation in the air.  All the boys got off to a strong start as they played tight defense and impressive offensive. They cruised their way through the early rounds, on the back of their most important player, the goalie, Sam Culver. However their toughest match came when they were forced to play Pines Charter. Tough offensive and hard defense proved a challenge for Cooper City.

“Definitely Pines Charter was the hardest team we had to play,” sophomore Frank Defalco said. “However we came together and everything seemed to go our way and eventually we ended up winning.”

After winning districts the team began practicing for the road ahead. When the day came for regionals to begin, our Cowboys were invigorated and full of life. They played hard and stayed strong and managed to place high enough to test their skill at states. When states rolled around the boys made their way to Olympic Heights. With well fought matches and clutch defense our boys made it to the semi-finals were they eventually fell.  Overall the team placed fourth in the state.

However, there are two sides to this water polo domination. Our girls team also excelled at districts. With good teamwork, excellent plays, and superb offense our very own Girls Water Polo team won districts.

“We got a couple break always and the seniors got to play most of the time”, senior Brianna Burge said “What I didn’t like was that Josalina Hernandez and I had to go to Grad Bash so we didn’t get a chance to play the second game.”

Unfortunately after getting to regionals the girls lost in the first round to Westminster Academy.

Finally, our very own girls softball team also dominated at districts. Our girls softball team, known for being outstanding, lived up to their reputation when they won districts. The girls executed their game plan with precision, and everything else fell into place.  Some key plays that really helped the team excel was tight defense from the outfielders and superb pitching.  At the finals of districts the girls pulled off an upset by beating St. Thomas 1-0.

“Our pitcher Kelly Coutler pitched a no hitter” senior Shannon Allen said.

With that win they made their way to regionals where they were looking to place high enough to make it to states. However, St. Thomas got revenge on the Cowboys this time around by taking our girls out in the semi-final round.

We have an amazing school filled with remarkable athletes. Hopefully we can keep up the tradition next year, and for many years to come.