Herriman finishes as runners-up in state water polo tournament
Jun 19, 2019 05:23PM ● By Greg James
The Mustangs took second place in the state water polo tournament. Despite some tears, players were satisfied with the result.
By Greg James | [email protected]
In the girls state water polo championship, Herriman High School ran into its nemesis, Kearns, and finished its season in second place.
“Kearns is very experienced,” Mustang water polo head coach Michael Goldhardt said. “We have played them so often we know what to do, and they know how to stop us. Anytime we play, I expect a tough game.”
The Mustangs never threatened in the contest. They trailed 5-1 after the first period and eventually lost 13-3.
Shelby Hawes, Ali Wells and Mekenna Scadden each scored a goal in the championship game. Hawes notched five steals.
“I think we get a little timid and a little scared when we play them,” Goldhardt said. “It is going to take a culture change to get over that.”
The Lady Mustangs finished their season with a 15-6 overall record. They won state championships in 2015 and 2017.
Wells, a sophomore, led the team defensively with 89 steals. She also contributed nine goals and 16 assists.
“Anna Wekluk, Maison Mcquivey and Shelby Hawes each contributed offensively,” Goldhardt said. “Shelby has an extremely awesome outside shot.”
Goldhardt was named the girls co-coach of the year with Kearns’ Seth Hughes.
“These young women are some of the most amazing young women I have ever worked with,” Goldhardt said. “They really work well in the pool and outside the pool. They are good friends. They have played together from eighth grade on up.”
Wekluk led the team with 53 goals., Mcquivey had 36 goals, and senior Rachel Hall contributed 33. Overall, the team averaged 10.7 goals per game.
Sophomore Reagan Hopkins saved 8.7 shots per game as a keeper.
Goldhardt said playing water polo is very demanding.
“It takes a lot of time,” he said. “They practice at 5 in the morning every day. Spring season is from the end of state swim meet until May. Plus, they are all on the swim team, so they come to practice and swim. They swim every single day all school year.”
The Mustangs are unsure how the opening of Mountain Ridge will affect the team.
“I do lose my entire starting lineup to graduation,” Goldhardt said. “They have been playing together for a long time. I love Herriman, the administration and all of these kids.”
Summer training has already begun for the team. The players train every Tuesday and Thursday mornings at J L Sorenson Recreation Center. The team participated in Riverside, California, at the Calvary Baptist University water polo summer camp June 24–28.
