The Encinal High School (EHS) women’s water polo team defeated rival Alameda High School (AHS), 9-6, to win the West Alameda County Conference (WACC) title Saturday, Nov. 2.  

The Jets jumped out to an early 4-1 lead after the first quarter. They led 6-2 after two periods of play. From there they held off the Hornets to earn the crown. 

EHS junior Emma Laszlo led the team with four goals. She also added an assist. Sophomore Averie Martin added two goals in the contest. 

The Jets were able to get revenge for last year’s 8-6 defeat against the Hornets in the WACC final. The Hornets had won the previous five WACC titles. The Hornets’ last loss in the WACC tournament came in 2013 at the hands of Piedmont High School.

Both teams qualified for the North Coast Section (NCS) Div. II playoffs. The Jets (15-12 overall, 6-1 in the WACC) are the No. 6 seed out of 12 teams. They took on Concord High School in the first round yesterday. 

The Hornets (13-13 overall, 6-1 in the WACC) are the No. 7 seed. They faced Marin Catholic of Kentfield in the first round. Last year, the Hornets advanced all the way to the NCS final, but lost to Tamalpais High of Mill Valley, 14-12, (“Hornets Lose High-Scoring Title Match,” Nov. 22, 2018).

Men’s water polo
The EHS men’s water polo team lost to AHS in the WACC tournament first round, 11-5, on Oct. 29. The Jets beat the Hornets, 9-8, in the regular-season finale on Oct. 22, but could not repeat as the winner in the tournament. The Hornets lost in the WACC semifinal, 13-7, to Bishop O’Dowd of Oakland on Oct. 30.

The Jets finished the regular season with a 10-12 overall record and 3-4 in the WACC. The Hornets ended the season with a 14-11 record and 4-3 in league play.

Both teams qualified for the NCS Div. II men’s water polo tournament. AHS is the No. 7 seed. They took on Benicia High School in the first round yesterday. EHS is the No. 11 seed and faced Piedmont High School yesterday.