By Jondi Gumz
The Aptos High School girls water polo team made history this season, bringing home the first CIF NorCal championship for the Mariners.
Perhaps underrated after finishing second in league (6-3) to undefeated Soquel and with a new coach, Aptos girls water polo brought their dedication, teamwork, and determination to post-season play.
Adriana Santillano
This victory is not just a win for Aptos High but for the entire Pajaro Valley Unified School District and the local community.
The Mariners knocked off Santa Cruz in the SCCAL tournament 7-4, then lost 12-6 to Soquel which won the tournament title.
After that, they were done with losing.
They beat Marin Catholic 7-4 to win the first Central Coast Section title for Aptos girls water polo.
They edged Rio Americano 8-6 to set up their battle against Morro Bay, which had won seven straight.
The teams were well matched, Aptos being 19-10 and Morro Bay 20-10 going into the championship.
Aptos had topped Morro Bay13-7 early in the season but the championship match was closer.
Aptos won 9-7 on a balanced scoring attack.
The Mariners jumped out to a 4-2 lead on goals by juniors Adelaide Friedley and Madi Knudsen, and sophomores Kenadi Chitwood and Rylie Knudsen.
Senior Sofia Contreras scored twice, and Friedley added two more.
Sunset during Nor Cal Semifinals vs Rio Americano (Sacramento): Photo Courtesy of Aptos Athletics
Play was aggressive with junior Bellame Bree — second in assists — having three ejections and leaving the pool in the third quarter.
Friedley led this season with 47 goals.
Madi Knudsen scored 40 goals and had 39 steals.
Senior Adriana Santillano scored 28 goals and had 28 steals.
Goalie Mary Suarez-Abraham, a sophomore, had 209 saves and 24 assists.
Only three seniors graduate: Sofia Contreras, Adriana Santillano, and Scarlet Gleitsman Miller.
“I’m just really happy, honestly just proud of everybody because we have never even won CCS before and we made it this far,” said Adelaide Friedley, who led this season with 47 goals, followed by
“I think every single person has worked through so much just to be here, and I’m proud of everybody, because we’ve all had our own little hiccups in the season, and slumps, and worked through switching coaches in the beginning. And now we’re here and it’s amazing.”
Mary Suarez-Abraham summed up, “This season was really great. We ended with a huge set of wins and I’m super happy for our seniors that are on the team to have such an amazing season. We had a great time, even though the season kept going and going. We kept pushing through and eventually it got us the win. I’m really going to miss our seniors. Go Adriana, Scarlet, and Sofia!!!!”
Aptos High Athletic Director Travis Fox said, “The achievement is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of the players, the leadership of Coach Cody Gilbert, and the support of the entire school community. The team’s remarkable journey to the championship was marked by impressive performances throughout the season.”
He added, “We are so proud of the hard work and determination displayed by the water polo team all season long. This championship is the result of their grit, teamwork, and ongoing pursuit of excellence. This victory reflects the athletic skill of our students and the supportive environment fostered by our coaches, faculty, and community.”
Notably, Gilbert took over the program just as the season was about to begin, succeeding Cory Murphy, who returned to his alma mater, Leland High in San Jose to coach.
Gilbert said, “I couldn’t be more proud of these young women. Their commitment to each other and to their goals was evident in every practice and every game. This victory is a result of the teamwork, leadership, and heart that they brought to the pool each day.”
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TOP PHOTO: Nor Cal Finals team, from left, Rylie Knudsen, Madi Knudsen, Avery Hadlund, Natalia Vowles, Sofia Contreras, Bellame Breen, Adriana Santillano, Coach Cody Gilbert, Mary Suarez-Abraham, Kenadi Chitwood , Adelaide Friedley, Rose Lockwood, Bianca Bogaard Medinilla, Lorelei Tracy