After a season full of victories, losses, and team bonding, Carlmont High School’s Girls Varsity Water Polo team prepares for the Central Coast Section (CCS) playoffs.

The girls’ previous wins and losses help them determine what to work on in order to succeed at the playoffs.

Coach Bernice O’Connor stated that Carlmont’s game against Menlo-Atherton High School revealed the weaknesses and strengths of the Lady Scots.

In the first quarter, the girls came out strong by working as a team and started off the game dominating one of the best teams in the section. In the second quarter their teamwork fell apart, but they were able to stay calm and push through it.

The girls pulled it back together and kept it competitive for the remainder of the game.

O’Connor said, “That was one of the key games that showed us when we work as a team how strong we are. But once we fell apart, it showed us how weak we can be.”

O’Connor will introduce an additional play before CCS playoffs. She will continue to work on fundamentals with the girls. Scrimmages during practices create a competitive atmosphere which helps the girls get ready for the flow of the game.

“During CCS, I want to see us get closer and work as a team, not just as individuals there to win,” stated junior Morgan Manter.

Throughout the season, Manter said she improved on offensive skills and strategies.

Goalie Hannah Carney said, “This year we’ve been focusing on defense and it really helps out. We used to play as individual people, but now we work as a team.”

Carney also stated Lady Scots plan to focus on their defense and fundamentals at CCS.

“It all comes down to who will be consistent with the fundamentals,” said O’Connor.

Seeding for CCS playoffs will be determined on Nov. 10.