LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Acalanes girls and Campolindo boys win NCS Championships


Campolindo boys water polo team with the NCS trophy. Photo Stewart McGuire

For the second year in a row, there was an undefeated water polo team that came out of Lamorinda. Last year it was the Miramonte Girls that went 30-0 on their way to the NCS championship. This year it was the Acalanes Girls that did not lose a game, going 27-0 ultimately defeating Campolindo 11-7 in the NCS finals.

Prior to the start of the season, Acalanes head coach Misha Buchel said with great perspicacity: "With the depth of our talent, we feel that if we are going to do it and be successful, this is our year." After losing an overtime game in last year's NCS semifinals, Buchel told his team that if they put in the effort in the off-season, they would be successful this year. How right he was.

With the championship games postponed for three weeks due to the air quality, it proved to be challenging for all teams in and out of the water. Further frustrating for Acalanes was when they were told to drive to Clovis, California for a "home" playoff game and learned upon arrival that the match was canceled.

Regardless, Acalanes put that all behind them. Says Buchel: "There's been nothing like this. This has been the best girls water polo team in Acalanes history. It was a magical season. It was hard to stay focused but we had a great week of practice prior to the championship game."

Senior Lexi Rowell, who will be playing for Stanford next season, attributed the team's success to its overall talent and mental toughness: "With the postponements and cancelations, it was a 'mind game" to get back into the pool. This team was very close and we were able to win due to the coaching and teamwork."

The Campolindo boys' water polo team defeated San Ramon Valley in the NCS final by a score of 15-3, after leading 6-3 at the half. Once again, the defense was led by goalie West Temkin who was aided greatly by his defensive front, blocking numerous shots before they made it to the Campolindo goal.

The postponement of the games was also a challenge for Campolindo. Senior Beck Jurasius spoke of the team's character after the victory: "We were a very close team and came together as the season progressed. We had a lot of will power and we all wanted it so badly."

Campolindo head coach Miles Price arrived just in time for the game, returning from a trip to Australia. During the hiatus he spoke highly of San Ramon Valley and the Cougars: "First, congratulations go out to San Ramon Valley for the great season they had. We had great senior leadership that anchored our team from the start and we look forward to watching them continue to develop at the DI level. We have some special underclassmen who developed throughout the season and are excited to see what they are capable of in the years to come."