Fullerton’s quest for perfection began back in September at the Saddleback Invitational Tournament. The girls knew they had something special after they swept through that tournament like a tsunami, outscoring their opponents 55-16 in their four victories.
One of the strengths of the Lady Hornets are the goal keepers.
Teresa Alcala and Erica McFeggan have held opponents to a staggeringly low 4.5 goals per game average. The dynamic duo share time to keep them fresh and healthy. They have allowed opponents to score double digits only one time all season.
“We use both Teresa and Erica at goal keeper and they each play one half. The reason we do that is to try and insure that they do not get injured and stay fresh. The position is so demanding and it is a long season,” said Head Coach Gabriel Martinez.
In addition to goal keepers, it takes a team effort to keep opponents off the net.
“Being on the same page has been essential. Defensive tactics that we’re using have been effective, and we have the depth to keep rotating fresh players in the water. Energy is huge,” Martinez said.
The Lady Hornets offense is also playing at an elite level. The offense has been putting the pressure on their opponents to the tune of 15.6 goals per game, including scoring at least 19 in each of the last six contests.
Martinez is in his seventh season coaching women’s water polo and he knows what it takes to create a winning team.
“We have a lot of talented young ladies. We’re very deep. We’ve been playing great defense, and we’re in great condition.” Martinez said. “The girls really approach the game and even practices like professionals.”
Focusing on one game at a time and staying healthy are tantamount in the Lady Hornets plight to stay undefeated and win the State Championship.
“Continuing to train hard, staying humble and staying healthy. The biggest part is staying healthy. We’ve had a variety of injuries, concussions, and shoulders,” Martinez said. “We can put a good run in if we stay healthy.”
As the Lady Hornets went for 20 straight, the word around campus spread. Martinez and the girls noticed the support during their 20-5 victory over Orange Coast on Wednesday.
“I really want to thank all the Fullerton College students and staff for showing their support this year. This is my seventh year, we have had some games with good attendance, but I have never seen a crowd like we had at our last game,” Martinez said.
The Lady Hornets will be at Cypress on Wednesday at 3 p.m. The next home match will be a clash of the top two teams in California when #2 Riverside comes to campus on October 29th at 4 p.m. to face the #1 Lady Hornets.