Last week was a good one for the Sweet Home water polo teams, according to Coach Kathy Benzo.
The girls team won both their matches and the boys beat Summit decisively , though they lost to two strong programs later in the week.
Against Summit on Sept. 27, which only had a boys team – though its goalkeeper was a girl – the Huskies won 23-7.
“Our boys played very well,” Benzo said. “They did all that they have been practicing and were very succesful.”
Jayce Calhoon led the teamwith six goals, four assists and seven steals, while Joel Gunselman and Kieren Schaefer each scored five goals, Zach Fetch scored four goals, Michael Simmonds, Brinden Sanders and Jon Lemar each scored a goal.
“Altogether, the boys stole the ball 38 times, so they had a great defensive game,” Benzo said.
Against Corvallis on Sept. 28, Sweet Home’s girls won 25-13. The boys lost 15-8.
“The girls did a great job in both their defense and offense,” Benzo said. “The boys did a much better job of communicating with each other, but were not as aggressive in the offense.”
Alyshia Benzo led the girls with eight goals, three assists and six steals. Justine Calhoon scored five goals, and added three assists and six steals. Laura Gourley and Alice Davis each scored four goals and NoraJean Lemar added another goal.
“Our goalie Tee Whalley did a great job of placing very accurate passes to her teammates – it was a very good game for the girls,” Kathy Benzo said.
In the boys game, Gunselman and Lemar each scored three goals and Jayce Calhoon and Fetch each scored a goal. The boys recorded 18 steals.
Against Redmond on Sept. 30, the Husky girls showed why they are leading the league, beating Redmond 15-3.
Justine Calhoon was top scorer with five goals and two steals, while Alyshia Benzo added four goals and two assists, Gourley scored three goals , Nicole Martin scored two goals and Alice Davis added one more. Whaley had five saves in goal and “once again made some very impressive passes to her teammates” Kathy Benzo said.
“The girls played a very physical game in which they made it known that they are here to play hard and have lots of fun getting to understand each other and how we are very effective as a team.” Benzo said.
The boys lost 11-4.
“Our boys could not get into their rhythm in this game,” Benzo said, noting that the Huskies “still played a very good defensive game. She said the Huskies’ passing and offense were below par.
Gunselman scored three goals and Jayce Calhoon added one for Sweet Home.
The Huskies are at home this week. The boys play South Albany on Tuesday and both teams will face West Salem on Thursday, Oct. 5.