Tides water polo using speed as strength for a run

Gig Harbor looks to defense as a key to improving 8-7 mark

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

After finishing fifth last season in a tough South Puget Sound League West Division, the Gig Harbor Tides water polo team is poised for a better finish. The team finished 8-7 last year but has retained most of its power, Gig Harbor coach Mike Kelly said. “The girls have been honing their skills, which is passing and increasing ball awareness,” he said. Kelly said another important element is to not getting burned on fast breaks. “We have to stay solid for all four quarters in terms of defense,” Kelly said. Gig Harbor senior KC Hughes said the team lost elements of strengths from last year but has found others to replace them. “We’re working the basics: ball handling skills and making sure everybody has a good shot,” said Hughes, who has already been invited to play for an NCAA Division III school in Southern California. “The division has made some switches, so it’s not the same,” Hughes said, referring to the perennial champion Curtis Vikings. Teammate and sophomore Lauren Biggs is one player Kelly believes has a lot of potential as an underclassman. Biggs, in her first year with the varsity, said communication in the water has improved since last year. “I’m getting a better understanding of the game,” she said. Tides junior Aundi Reagan, who has played since she was a freshman, said she’s excited because she believes the team has a chance to make it to the state tournament. “We know how each other plays,” she said. “This year is going to take more heart and dedication.”

Reach Sports Editor Marques Hunter at 253-853-9243 or marques.hunter@gateline.com.