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 ...

          Hope Thompson went 1-1 at last weekend's Pioneer Athletic Conference tennis singles tournament. The Upper Perkiomen senior continued to display a tougher mental

Jada Leidy returns a forehand shot. She won her match at No. 3 singles Monday agains Owen J. Roberts.

approach, according to head coach John Williamson.

            Thompson will have the opportunity to continue her postseason competition. On Friday, she will compete in the District One Class 2A championships.

             Emily Vogel, the Indians No. 2 player, lost her only match on Sept. 21 at Perkiomen Valley High School. She lost 10-3 to Lily Hamrich, from Upper Merion. Vogel defeated Hamrich during the regular season.

            "Emily played a little below where she normally performs," Williamson said. "She's been so solid for us all season."

            Thompson opened the PAC tournament with a 10-2 victory over Alaine Hathaway, the No. 2 player from Pottsgrove. In the second round, a 10-3 loss to Methacton's Lauren Montgomery eliminated her.

            Thompson got within 4-3 before Montgomery, who finished fifth in last year's tournament and lost in the quarterfinals this year, won six consecutive games.

            "I'm happy with how Hope played," Williamson said. "She's been playing great lately. She just ran into a very strong opponent."

            According to the coach, Thompson has ...