The Santa Barbara Aquatics Club is looking to continue its run of successes at the 14-under National Championship Cup for girls water polo.
This squad heads to Shenandoah Texas this weekend for the nationwide competition formerly known as the Speedo Cup. The tournament is taking place at the Conroe Natatorium.
Cup veterans Megan Bergthold and Morgan Towner lead the SBAC team. Both are fresh off winning a bronze medal at this summer’s National Junior Olympics.
Jordan Williams anchors the team in goal and is playing like one of the best 14U goalies in the country, according to coaches Cathy Neushul and Connor Levoff.
Jenna Phraener returns from the softball field and is playing tough defense and using her arm strength. Riley Heiduk is a threat off the drive and at center. Kelsey Gellert brings strong defensive skills as does Toni Shackelford.
Shackelford leads a corps of 12U veterans that include Jessie Brummett (“JB”), Jessie Ransone (“JR”), Brittany Prentice, Paige Hauschild, Ryann Neushul, and Christina Garcia. These players are no stranger to competitive water polo. They won a championship over Commerce at the 2010 Winterfest, took silver at the National Club Championships, and placed in the top four at the San Diego Cup and National Junior Olympics. A common theme amongst these girls is speed.
The 14 girls will face veteran teams from across the U.S. The favorites include Socal, San Diego Shores and Commerce.
Last year’s SBAC squad took home a bronze and the 2008 team reached the final and lost to Commerce.
Previous squads led by All-American’s Sami Hill, Tiera Schroeder, Amanda Redfern, Jade Wentz-Fitzgerald, Charlotte Hendrix, and Kiley Neushul finished third and fourth.
The SBAC 14s eliminated tough teams from Rose Bowl and Foothill in the qualification tournament.
Check the USWP web site for updates on SB’s 14 Girls.
