Highlander water polo opens season with a successful weekend

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The Woodlands Highlanders boys and girls water polo teams both had successful kickoffs to their 2014 season. The girls went 2-1 over the weekend capturing third place honors with a thrilling 7-6 win over Memorial. Sophomore Julia Johnson scored the go-ahead goal with 50 seconds remaining to clinch the win.

The boys repeated as Spring Branch Tournament Champs beating Angleton, Strake Jesuit and finally Memorial in the championship game. The championship game was a total team effort with a combination of strong team defense from all players and with multiple players contributing multiple goals. These included Daniel Laverve (3), Cole Pollina (4), Brandon Charles (2) and freshman Connor Kozak (3) who was playing in his first high school tournament.

Also special recognition is deserved by both Sam Whitehead and Gianni Calderara both who started in goal for the first time and had great weekends.

Thanks to Coach Kent Kirchner for leading both teams to successful weekends.

Both teams return to tournament play next weekend in the Westside tournament. You can follow all the action on Twitter at @twhs_water_polo.