Water Polo Provincials

This past weekend Stephanie and I went to Saskatoon with the rest of the Master’s team to compete in the Saskatchewan Water Polo Provincials.  We were both excited and anxious. This wasn’t the fun beginner polo we enjoyed on Saturday’s this was the hard and tough Master variety. We were playing against Saskatoon and the other teams from Regina including the over 15 year olds. This meant the actual ridiculously good provincial team.   There’s nothing like being beaten up by 15 year old girls under water. The amazing juniors were split into 2 teams for this tournament. The masters practice with them on Wednesday, where I try and keep up, and try not to get discouraged. 

Going into the tournament we knew we were outmatched with these super ladies. Our goal was to beat Saskatoon. We were playing 5 on 5 (6 with goalie) with a roaster of 7. Unfortunately one of our players had to stay in Regina with her very sick cat. That meant only one position for relief.

In our games we constantly grew better as a team. Throughout the weekend, the losses were by less, and our wins bigger. We played 3 games on Saturday and then finals were on Sunday. We were placed 3^rd after Saturday. On Saturday we had tied Saskatoon. In our final game for bronze we won 11-0! The personal highlight was the last few seconds of the game where I was thrown the ball and I got a shot in net as the buzzer went. As a newbie this was an awesome feeling, I don’t get many goals at Master’s level.

The medal was ours. Regina Squids and Piranhas took Gold and Silver. Since they are all under 18 and practice 6 times a week… Bronze felt like 1^st place. I think us old ladies were more excited about the win then the younger guys.

We will have another provincial tournament in the spring in Regina.

Special thanks to our cutest fans ever, Robin, Amelia and Xavier. Thanks also to Victor who coached us last minute in our last game. Victor is from the Venezuela Polo national team and literally just moved to Regina 2 days ago to coach Sask Polo.

I am really happy with the decision to take up water polo. I am definitely seeing results in my swim speed and sprints. I am more comfortable with the manhandling that takes place, and even getting more aggressive myself. 

Thanks to the tournament I skipped my long run this weekend...... something to make up I suppose.