The Vikings won both home opener games on September 16 against St. John’s University (14-9) and Grinnell College (14-13) the water polo team is hoping to keep their momentum for their next tournament in Grinnell, IA.
Even after winning both games, it is always beneficial to reflect on the gameplay. Looking forward to the next tournament, there are things to be appreciative for such as the addition of players to the team this year.
“After our tournament, we have seen where we are strong and weak. This year we have gained more than ten freshmen, which will allow us to have a bench and subs, which we did not have in the past,” senior vice president, Nathan Kies, said. “Half of the new members have never played water polo, but they have caught on quickly and are a great asset to the team. We have also gained players that played in high school and are now in our starting lineup.”
There are also improvements to be made to further prepare for the next competition.
“From the games, we need to work on spreading out on offense and making good passes. We have a great defense and we aren’t afraid to shoot the ball, which is important,” Kies said.
On Saturday, Sept. 30, the team will compete against Carleton, Knox, and Macalester. Junior player, Karthik Kasireddy, expressed his goals for the tournament.
“For the games at Grinnell, I want the whole team to be there and hope all the new players get more time to play so that they can get a handle on what the gameplay is like,” Kasireddy said.
After the tournament in Grinnell, IA, the team will compete in their Conference at Macalester College in Minnesota, which takes place during the Augustana Viking’s homecoming weekend.
“We won the conference in 2014 and we hope to return to Nationals this year in Vermont,” Kies said.
With only about a month left of the water polo season, the schedule is packed with highly competitive games as well as the team’s annual fundraiser in the spring.
“The men’s season is in the fall and ends in November. Women can play on the men’s team and in tournaments, but they must use a men’s water polo ball. The women’s season is in the spring, but Augie no longer has a women’s team because there were not enough players last year or this year to have a team,” Kies said.
“In terms of paint the pool pink, usually this is during the girl’s season. This event is meant to be fun and raise money for breast cancer research,” Kies said. “Teams from across the state will come play. We have Alumni teams, state teams, and university teams from all over the Midwest come and play.”