SFY Tsunami water polo team tacks on another win

Tsunami warnings in the Atlantic Ocean are virtually nonexistent, meaning Mid-Atlantic water polo teams have little warning when SFY Tsunami rolls into town.

The 12U team recently stormed off to Springfield, Va., to take part in the Capital Clash tournament. The coed squad took on Swim RVA, Brooklyn Hustle, Capital and WCAC United. 

“I'm so proud of our team,” coach Nicole Garrity said. “This was the first competitive opportunity for a few of the players. For many others, their first experience was just this past February. It has been awesome to see how much they have grown and learned since recently starting to play.  We faced some very competitive, experienced and aggressive teams during this tournament, and the players remained positive and worked as a team.”

Despite the quality of the opponents, the young group managed to make the trip memorable when Ainsley Garrity’s shootout goal clinched a victory for the Sussex squad.

“The shoot-out win was so very exciting and a testament to our team's persistence,” coach Garrity said. “I see so much potential with these players.”

She provided a self-scouting report on the players and a couple of Navy AC members who joined them.

Lincoln Fyock: Can count on him to win the swim-off, and he is the foundation of our offense; scored many goals

Maxwell Bradshaw:  A double threat with his swimming speed and great shot; also a tough player to face on defense

Jack Spittler: Helped the team out in goal and has an unstoppable shot; started the positive momentum with the first scored shot of the shootout

Finley Pryor: Emerging solid defensive player who jumped right into the game to help

Paige Lauser:  Gaining increasing confidence and knowledge with her first competitive experience

Tamas Czaszar: A defensive mastermind! No one gets past Tamas; he is so tough [and] had an incredible amount of steals throughout the game

Ainsley Garrity: Outstanding water polo IQ and tenacious defensive player; scored a number of goals for the team, including the game-winning goal in the shoot-out

Joseph Bradshaw:  Always a team player who stays positive and goes where his team needs him; is always hustling to get back on defense

Gavin Sepp (Navy AC): Made some amazing saves and passes in goal; also was an asset playing field

James Gales (Navy AC): Used his game knowledge to make key offensive plays and never lets a player get past him on defense.

“Most importantly, I think everyone had fun,” coach Garrity said. “We represented our new program so well and are truly making a name for ourselves in the water polo world.”

“Capital Clash was a great experience,” Ainsley said. “Our team had a really good time and learned some new things."

For anyone interested in joining the first and currently only water polo club in Delaware, the spring season will get under way soon.

“Practices start Monday, April 13 and run through Wednesday, June 10,” the coach said. “We practice Mondays and Wednesdays 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.  We welcome any school-age youth 8-18 years of age to come and try, if they can swim at least two laps and tread water for two minutes.”

Their main season runs from February to May. More information is available by emailing Anna Seiffert, Sussex Family YMCA director of aquatic operations, at anna.seifert.ymcade.org.