On Thursday, October 26th, Amador Valley Girls Varsity Water Polo played their last league game against Foothill High School. The high-tension game was the girls’ rivalry game in addition to being the game that qualified them for NCS.
“I was quite nervous, but I’m really happy that we won,” said Goalie Deepika Suresh (‘26).
Thanks to their win, the Dons will continue their proud tradition of competing in the North Coast Sections. Varsity Head Coach Tim Reilly says that the girls have come further than he even expected.
“It’s a rivalry game, nerves are all over the place. You’ve got to figure out a way to come back and take it. We did that in the second half, it was great,” said Rielly.
Despite some early nerves, the Dons played hard in the first quarter. Due to goals from Maya Amiel (‘24) and Olivia Ritter (‘25), they ended the first quarter with a one-goal lead on the Falcons.
Despite exceptional blocks from Suresh, the Falcons took a two-goal lead in the second quarter.
“I think our goalie, Deepika Suresh, did an amazing job. She blocked everything, swam up to the ball, stole it right back. She [played] so [well], as she always does.” said Zahra Alami (‘26).
Susan Swyers (‘26) helped tie up the score during the third quarter after being awarded a five-meter penalty shot, which she scored on. With an assist from Amiel, Swyers added another goal. With one more quarter to go, the score was 5-4, Amador, after a goal from Amiel.
“One of our outstanding [plays] was the cross pass from Olivia Vollgraf (‘24) to Kate Hopkins (‘25) that didn’t go in, but it was just fantastic looking. Susan’s defense, and offense, was great. She’s an all-round player.” said Reilly.
Thirty seconds into the final quarter, Suresh had an impressive block on a man-down penalty. Hopkins and Ritter each added one more goal each, with Swyers securing the Don’s final 4-goal lead with two more successful shots.
The girls weren’t the only ones who showed up–Amador parents and students drove to Foothill to cheer on our Dons.
“Throughout the season, the stands have gotten bigger and bigger,” said Suresh.
The final score was 5-9, with the Dons exiting the pool triumphant and looking into an extended season culminating in NCS.
