The as-of-yet unnamed Comox Valley water polo team had a very strong showing at their first-ever tournament last weekend.
The team returned to the valley with silver medals around their necks, having narrowly missed out on gold in the final match of the Spooktacular Water Polo tournament's Open B-division in Saanich.
The team is made up of a few former national level players, as well as newcomers to the sport who play together during drop-in sessions at the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre. The sessions are open to all genders and abilities, and have been a great place for newcomers aged 14 and up to learn the sport under the informal mentorship of more experienced players.
Without knowing at all what to expect from their new team, the local side came out flying against the University of Victoria in their first game on Oct. 26. Sixteen-year-old Spencer Vallintine scored the club鈥檚 first-ever goal within the first minute of play, and the team swam to a convincing 14-4 victory. First-time players Patrick Duff, Kayla Gaiga and Robert Beaulieu looked like seasoned veterans, leaving no indication that this was the first water polo game they鈥檇 ever seen, let alone played.
The squad faced a more formidable opponent in its second game, this time against a youthful Northwest Water Polo Club from Bellevue, Washington. A 3-0 Comox Valley lead in the first quarter quickly dissolved under the indefatigable counterattacks of the young American side. Though the game was tied at the final whistle, veterans Michael Gibson, Ryan Parton and Evan Verkade all potted goals to seal the victory during penalty shots.
The Comox Valley faced its toughest opponent in the final game of a gruelling three-game day, which they dropped to Garden City, a hometown team comprised of members of the Saanich Water Polo Club, 14-4. They faced that same Garden City Club in the gold medal match on Oct. 27, and despite a valiant effort they couldn鈥檛 match the experience of the hometown club, falling by a score of 13-8.
Anyone interested in playing water polo, with or without previous experience, is welcome to attend casual drop-in sessions at the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre Tuesday and Thursday nights from 8:15-9:15 p.m.. Pre-registration is not required; simply pay a facility admission fee at reception.
