Returning to the Pool, Tigers Polo Set to Contend

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2009) – Expectations for the 2009 women’s water polo season are as high as ever. The Tigers welcome back nine returning letter winners, including the trio of All-SCIAC standouts in Kelly Curtin, Karie Nickle, and Laura Simanonok, coupled with the addition of a banner recruiting class that adds five highly touted freshman to the roster in Occidental’s quest to climb the SCIAC ladder and contend for a conference title as well as a berth in the NCAA National Championship tournament.

Also returning are seniors Ashley Notti and Haley Rosehill along with sophomore standouts Perla Almaraz, Rebecca Hofer, Julie Monday, and Delia Haynes.  Last season the Tigers, who held a national ranking throughout the season, finished fourth in the SCIAC.

“This is a young and talented team with some outstanding potential,” head coach Larry Zubrin shared. “It looks like there are some great things on the horizon for this group.”

Five of last year’s starters will be back in the pool and all five freshman will play important roles, making immediate impacts.

"All of our returners have received significant minutes in the past and with the incoming talent we will be able to utilize the entire roster in our games."

The combination of depth and experience will be the biggest strength for the Tigers this season. All four seniors will be pivotal in terms of their ability to lead and perform in pressure situations. As a group, the seniors are the heart and soul of this squad and will be at the forefront of the team’s success. 

Another important factor this season will be the team’s diversity in terms of individual strengths. There are a number of athletes who will bring various aspects of talent to the table.  

“I am excited to bring this group together as a team, which will enable us to utilize all of our parts for a winning season.”

In a conference that is sure to be competitive, every SCIAC Game will be a tremendous challenge. 

In preparation for league play Occidental will open up playing a rigorous pre-season, non-conference schedule highlighted by games against Division I programs including Cal State Northridge, UC Berekely, UC San Diego and Bucknell. 

“All of these game will be great opportunities for us to develop as a program and prepare us for the all important SCIAC Championships and hopefully a birth in the NCAA National Championships.”