The 40+ USMS Women's Water Polo team scores big at the masters water polo nationals. They trounced their opponents in the first game 11 - 2. According to team captain, Tracy Grilli, "this event is a tune up for the World Championships in August."
Under the leadership of head coach Cav Cavanaugh and assistant coach Michael Heather, the team is building up for a run at the World Championship title.
Stay tuned for more updates as they happen.
Hi Mark:
What Water Polo Nationals are you referring to? Are these games sanctioned by USMS or by some other aquatic body, such as USA Water Polo? Where is the Championship being held? How many other teams are there and are there any USMS teams in other age groups? Did they beat a team of USMS swimmers or a Club Water Polo team?
The reason I am asking is I never heard of a USMS Water Polo Nationals and I am interested to see how the particiaption and make up is of this event.
Frank,
I don't know the answers to all your questions, so I will make up that answers to those parts.
USA Water Polo hosts a national championship tournament for masters teams.
They are playing in San Deigo.
I have no idea how many teams are entered or what the age groups are. Based on the fact they played two games yesterday, I would guess there are at least 4 teams in their age group. I don't know the outcome of the second game yet.
Most of the participants are water polo clubs, which may have some USMS members on them. Our team is all USMS swimmers that came together for the tournamet at Worlds. They will be competing in the 40+ age group.
The team calendar will be available soon with photos and bios on each player.
Mark Gill:
Thanks for the answers to my questions. I found the answers to the other questions I had so you don't have to make up any. I hadn't realized how organized the National Water Polo Championships were with all the teams and clubs that participate. In case anybody is interested, I have provided a link with all this information.
http://www.usawaterpolo.com/
Look for more about the USMS women's water polo team, and several other fine aquatic athletes planning to participate in the Worlds, in the July/August issue of SWIMMER. Members and subscribers should start receiving this issue during the first week in July.
:)
You can find out about the USA Water Polo Nationals by logging on to www.usawaterpolo.org and click on Masters Nationals.
From the scores after the first blowout, it looks as if our women faced some challenges. The water polo purists must have had a surprise! I think this was only their second tournament attempt.
Go USMS Women!!
Nancy
It looks like the USMS Water Polo team took third. I saw them play on Saturday against the Santa Barbara Womens team. The USMS women could swim well and it was close for the first five minutes, but the Water Polo skill of the Santa Barbara Women just was too much for the USMS women to over come.
For the USMS women, it was their first time playing together. For a couple of the women it was their first game. All of the women said they had a great time and are looking forward to playing again at Worlds.
michael
