Making a big splash, The BC women’s water polo team dove into their first home game of the season on Wednesday, September 17, facing off against the LA Valley Monarchs at the Bakersfield College pool. Playing at home is always special, and under the September sun with shimmering crystal-clear waters, our Renegades brought electric energy to their opener pushing the tempo early with confidence, but LA Valley quickly found their rhythm. Still, the Renegades didn’t back down. First-year goalie Nevaeh Matthews stood tall in the cage, delivering several highlight- reel saves against the Monarchs’ relentless offense. Each stop sent waves of excitement through the crowd as families, friends, and classmates cheered with intensity.
Guiding the team was head coach Bryan R. Hirayama, a two-time All-American in both water polo and swimming who also doubles as a communications professor at BC. With communications comes communicating and Hirayama’s booming voice carried across the pool, urging his team forward through a thunderous injection in a sense of urgency that matched the fierce pace of play in the water. LA Valley was gliding through the waters as the Renegades capitalized on power-play opportunities, finding the back of the net six times against LA valley defense.
The game ended in a wet 18-6 win for LA valley, unfortunate for Bakersfield College this opener showed a lot about our ever so young squad of athletes who are moving up to bigger roles this season. The scoreboard read LA valley but the pool still shimmered Bakersfield red, a symbol of grit, growth, and a team refusing to sink. Renegades are fueled by hunger to improve, determined to splash back as quickly as possible as they will continue into their early-season schedule. Like in jaws, the sharks circled and while the renegades took their hits, they left the pool showing they’re not afraid of deeper waters. Grab your red gear, fill the stands, and bring energy to support this team back in the BC pool by October, as they ride the waves with new growth and determination.