2013 Fall Sports Preview: Water Polo

La Salle Fall Sports Preview: Water Polo

By: Chris Jastrzembski '14

The Fall Sports Season is quickly approaching as we enter the middle of July. The Sports Information Club is proud to continue into this school year, and will be led by Senior Chris Jastrzembski and Junior Collin Giongo, along with many other contributors throughout the school year. Stay up to date with the club at their blog at www.lschs.org/wexpsports & Twitter @LaSalle_Sports

After a very successful 2012-2013 season in which the Explorers won 10 Catholic League Championships and 2 State Championships, the Fall teams will try to build upon last season's historic success.

Each day, we will preview one Fall team, with key games, key players, and much more.

WATER POLO

2012 Record: 21-9

Finished 4^th in State Championships

Eastern Conference Champions (1^st in School History)

Key Returning Players: Bobby Bernatavitz, JB Brady, Nick Dermo, Chris Losier

Key Departing Players: Ryan Barr (Penn State), Eric Bridgeford, Matt Chadwick, Pat Finley, Dan Fleck (Iona), Evan Holder, Brendan Koch, Joe Maginnis, Sean Regan, Pat Dougherty (Iona)

A 4^th place finish in the State Championship was a great season for the senior-led Water Polo team. Out of the sixteen players on last year's team, only four remain. This year's team will be very young, consisting of many juniors and possibly many sophomores, including Harrison Schultz, Kyle McElwee, Jake Jordan, and Luke Chadwick.

5 Must See Games:

Away vs. Malvern Prep (September 9^th 4:00PM)

Last year's meeting had the Explorers losing to the Friars 14-8. Inter-AC opponents are very good in Water Polo, and an early big game for the Explorers will be a good test for the young and inexperienced team.

Away vs. Germantown Academy (September 10^th 4:00PM)

In the Beast of the East Tournament last year, La Salle defeated GA 6-2 in a great game. Back to back Inter-AC teams will be something to watch early in the season.

Away vs. Upper Dublin (September 12^th 4:00PM)

These teams did not play each other last season, but both schools have great aquatic programs. Upper Dublin was in the top 5 in the PIAA Swimming and Diving Championships in the Winter, and many swimmers also play Water Polo. This will be an entertaining game in the middle of September.

Beast of the East Tournament (September 20^th-21^st)

The Explorers look to defend their Beast of the East Championship by playing many of the best teams in the East Coast, including teams from the New England Area as well as in PA.

Away vs. Wissahickon (October 10^th 5:30PM)

In the two meetings last year, Wissahickon came out winners, defeating the Explorers 7-6 and 8-5, with both matches at Wissahickon. This year's meeting is later in the season, which will give the Explorers some time to get some team chemistry with each other.

Other Notable Games:

North Penn Invitational (October 9^th)

Away vs. Lawrenceville Prep (October 24^th 4:00PM)

To see the complete Varsity schedule, as well as more about the Water Polo team, visit www.lschs.org/waterpolo and check out La Salle Sports on Twitter by searching @LaSalle_Sports.