Tuesday, February 6, 2024, marked the bittersweet end of a long but overall successful season for the West High Girls’ Water Polo team. The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) is one of the pivotal competitions for all high school sports teams, involving many schools from the California area. After a series of one-on-one local tournaments between individual schools, teams progress to Round 1 of the tournament, then the regional semifinals, and finally the regional finals — the coveted championship. This year, West High’s team moved up a division, meaning that the competition for the first round of CIF would be much fiercer than normal. 

   Natalie Ou (11), who has been a part of Water Polo since her freshman year, noted that the change in division was intimidating: “I was more resigned than anything. . . we already knew that it was highly unlikely that we would win the game. However, we still wanted to do our best because it might be the last game of the season.” Ou explained that the competition’s outcome isn’t dependent on one particular game, but rather a school’s overall ranking based on “wins and losses from the entire season’s games.” The top-ranking schools are matched with the lowest-ranking schools in terms of organizing the competition.

   Unfortunately, going up against Buena Park, the Warriors lost 5 – 18, meaning they will not be advancing to the second round of CIF. Avery White (12), another veteran Water Polo member, expressed feelings of disappointment around the matchup, saying, “Our spirits [were] definitely not as high as when we left, but I think we’re just glad that we were all there together.”

   Ou also recalled feelings of disappointment surrounding the game: “It was a bit painful . . . we didn’t play at our best because we let them intimidate us a little bit too much.” However, Ou reassured that the day was not one completely shrouded by the loss, remarking that the team got to spend ample time together on the bus, singing karaoke songs and sharing snacks. She explained that in the end, “the team bonding part was what made it special,” not so much the results of the match.

   If you’re interested in joining Swim or Water Polo next year, a summer program will be hosted to provide experience and the opportunity to learn more about both sports. Check out their Instagram pages, @westhighswimteam, @westboyspolo, and @westgirlspolo for more information in the future!