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The independent student news site of San Diego Mesa College.

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The Mesa Press

The Mesa Press

Olympians swim away with seventh conference title

Olympians swim away with seventh conference title

The San Diego Mesa women’s water polo team, led by head coach Jim Fegan, has been known to win championships. Their last title was received in 2007, but after securing the number one seed in the conference tournament this year, Mesa has a chance to bring home the title for 2009.
Coach Fegan was concerned about the young team from the beginning of the season with a limited amount of women showing up for the team’s first practice. His fears quickly vanished when the team began showcasing their talent.
“It’s been a pretty good year. The team has improved. I’m pretty proud of how well we’ve done,” Fegan said.
With a record of 19-5 for the season, and being undefeated (8-0) in the Pacific Coast Conference, the Mesa Olympians are poised for victory. The team has secured the conference round robin championship title for the seventh time in a nine year period. The team ranks sixth in the state among junior college women’s water polo teams.
This team has impressive conference statistics as a team and as individuals. Driver Jackie Snyder and center Ariana Lopez tied for forth place in Pacific Coast Conference as leaders in goal scoring with 31. Snyder also tops the list for most assists during the season with 25. Drivers Natalie Thompson, Maddy Scheider and Crystal Patterson also placed in the top five for assists on the season. Patterson leads the conference with 50 steals and goalie Stefani Feilen leads the conference with 159 saves.
Along with impressive statistics, two athletes on the team, center Catalina Barraza and goalie Feilen, have been honored with the title of Pacific Coast Conference (PCC) Women’s Athlete of the Week.
The team sealed its undefeated status with a victory against PCC rival, Grossmont College, 8-3 on Oct. 29.
Defender Emily Torres, who shut down Grossmont’s biggest offensive threat, center forward Kaitlyn McMillian scored two goals. Drivers Scheider and Snyder also scored two goals.
“It feels good to win. We’ve learned to play together well and we’ve bonded over the season. It’s nice,” said Torres.
Torres was not the only member pleased with the victory over Grossmont and the team’s progress over the season. Captain Crystal Patterson was also excited.
“The girl’s really played well today and over the season. We’re undefeated in conference and I’m really proud of us,” said Patterson.
Two weeks prior to their victory against Grossmont, the Olympians defeated the Miramar College Jets13-4. Center Lopez gave a very impressive performance with four goals, four steals, two assists and two ejections drawn. Goalie Feilen had a successful game in the cage with eight saves.
The Olympians will compete in the SoCal Championships on Nov. 11 and Nov. 13 in Pasadena.

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