For the first time in its short six-year history, the Amador Valley boys’ water polo team has been ranked 12th out of 153 schools in the North Coast Section California Interscholastic Federation (NCS), earning a first-round bye into the 2008 NCS/Les Schwab Tires Boys’ Water Polo Championship tournament.
The team finished 0-7 in the East Bay Athletic League (6-17 overall) in 2007. Under the direction of new varsity head coach, and Amador math and AVID teacher Chris Tofanelli, the team has orchestrated a 6-8 EBAL and an undefeated 9-0 non-conference 2008 record. Tofanelli has had help from junior varsity coach Neal Sorensen, former UCSB water polo captain.
Both coaches have taken the nucleus of last year’s squad, having lost only two seniors, promoted three JV players to varsity, added in a new-to-the-sport senior and molded the group into a dynamic, flowing, offensive and defensive unit capable of playing with the best in the league.
The Dons will need to bring their best game to the NCS tournament because they have drawn second place in the EBAL finisher and last years’ fourth place NCS finisher, the San Ramon Valley Wolves. San Ramon will be looking for a decisive win in order to salve their stinging one-point loss to De La Salle on Nov. 1. The loss made De La Salle the 2008 EBAL champions and San Ramon the runner-up.
The first post-season game in Dons boys’ water polo history will take place at 3:45 p.m. Saturday at Monte Vista High School, rain or shine (lightning being the only exception).
Dons girls’ water polo also makes NCS
Led by team captains Jenn Docto and Anais Flynn, the Amador girls’ water polo team is also headed to NCS.
The Lady Dons are ranked 10th in NCS, which is the best ranking yet for the Amador girls. They will get a bye in the first round play. Their game will take place at Contra Costa College on at 3:15 p.m. Saturday.
The team they will take on is the seventh-ranked Acalanes squad. Acalanes has had a similar season and should make for a competitive matchup.
