Archive
Subscribe
Weather
 |
|
 |
|
Strong NHS girls team in need of players |
From an outsider’s perspective, it
might appear the Newberg High School girls water polo team has just
about everything it needs to defend its state championship.
Scoring, speed, passing and defense are the hallmarks of a squad
that finished last season with a 29-5 record and won its second
consecutive state title. But what the Tigers lack is something they
can’t practice — depth. The squad has eight players; seven are
needed for a full team.
“We are in the circumstance where we’ve got a really good team, but
we have no depth,” Newberg coach Jim McMaster said. “We have eight
players and that’s something that’s not good, because if someone
gets injured or someone has grade problems, then it’s going to be
tough. I just need bodies out there. I can train them.
That’s what I do and I’ll get them where they need to be.”
While the Tigers search for players, the team’s strength lies with
several of the team’s returners from last season — seniors Adrienne
Cheney and Andrea Wilson, along with sophomore Pammela Ladrini.
Cheney was the state tournament MVP last season as she helped the
Tigers to an 8-2 win against Southridge in the state championships.
Overall last season, Cheney led Newberg in goals (104), assists
(22) and earned ejections (41). While Cheney was dominant on the
offensive end, Wilson played the role of the team’s top defender,
evident by her team-leading 122 steals. She also tied for second on
the team in earned ejections (19) and was a first-team all-state
tournament pick.
Another player who came in to the mix for Newberg was Ladrini. She
ranked second on the team in goals (58), assists (14) and earned
ejections (19).
The Tigers will also look for someone to step in and take the place
of graduated goalie Morgan Jones, a second-team all-state tournament
pick last year. McMaster said while Kindra Fish played goalie
part-time last year, he expects Megan O’Halloran to step in and
assume most of the minutes in the net.
“It’s going to be exciting for the other kids to step up, too,”
McMaster said. “But they’re going to have to play the whole game.
Anyone who comes out is going to be guaranteed playing time. It is
hard work, though. It’s not easy. It takes a lot of commitment.” |
|
From Aug. 25, 2007, Newberg Graphic
Click Here to Subscribe |
|
|
|
 |
|
