Following a bumpy start at a tournament last weekend in Perkasie, Upper Perkiomen's girls water polo team steadied itself. The team rallied to win consecutive matches and finish second in Flight IV at the Beast of the East Tournament at Pennridge High School.

           The Indians have made significant strides this fall after posting only one victory

Upper Perkiomen goalie Fiona Swift stretches to block a shot against Hazelton.

last season, according to head coach Brien Kalnoski. They improved to 5-6 overall (3-2 in PA Water Polo's Eastern Conference) following a 2-3 performance at the Beast of the East Tournament at Pennridge High School.

            Kalnoski identified the leadership of seniors Fiona Swift – the starting goalkeeper – and Adrianna Moyer, junior Charlotte Forte and sophomore Beatrice Santos as a key reason for the improvement. The coach said their skills have improved, as well.  "We've beaten the teams we're supposed to," the coach said.

            The Indians opened their tournament with consecutive losses to Pennridge and Exeter by identical 11-1 scores on Friday, Sept. 22. The following day, they rebounded for two wins in their three matches in their designated flight.

           The Tribe opened the day with a 12-10 victory over Reading, an opponent it couldn't beat last season. It advanced to the flight title game with 17-7 victory over Hazleton. However, the team then lost 12-3 to Wilson West Lawn's JV team.

            According to the coach, the Indians continued to play with aggression and improved passing. Kalnoski told the players he wants them to continue those aspects.

            The players' individual skills are starting to shine, according to Kalnoski. He said Forte has improved dramatically after participating in two leagues over the summer.

            "Charlotte has taken her game to the next level, which has helped the team tremendously," the coach said. "She's got more confidence. Her shot selection is considerably better, and her movement on defense has improved."

            According to Kalnoski, Moyer has also stepped up her game. The coach claimed she and Swift have provided exemplary leadership. He added that a core of ninth graders, led by Elli Smith, have made significant contributions.

            The Tribe boys went 1-3 during the same tournament. They lost 13-6 to Lawrenceville School, from New Jersey, and 12-4 to the host Rams.

            The following day, the Indians opened flight play with a 10-8 loss to Archbishop Spalding, located in Severn, Md. They responded with an 11-4 victory over Hazleton.

            Parker Elliott, a senior, has emerged as the team's leading scorer. His classmates Andrew Kelly and Kaiden Favre have provided crucial leadership, according to Kalnoski.

            The coach said a handful of underclassmen – including junior Nolan McCloskey, sophomores Brayden Favre, Evan Harter and Spencer Hartzell, along with ninth grader Brennan Rooney – have made significant scoring. According to Kalnoski, Rooney possesses a strong arm and generally understands where the ball is supposed to go.

            A more balanced scoring attack is a sign of progress for the team. According to the coach, the players need to improve their shot selection and protect the ball.

            "They are a lot more aggressive than in the past," Kalnoski said. "This year, with rare exception, our guys have been able to keep up with the opposition in the pool."