Seasoned Agoura Can Make a Splash

With six returning All-Southern Section players, Coach Jason Rosenthal of the Agoura High girls’ water polo team considers himself blessed.

All of Rosenthal’s position players were starters on the 21-7 team that lost to Santa Barbara in the Division II championship game last season.

Seniors Joanna Antonsen, Erika Clark and DeDe Perram were all-section picks, seniors Cameron Pearce and Colleen Schiman were named to the second team, and senior Chelsey Hutchinson was a third-team choice.

The players each said the team concept is what they like most about playing water polo.

“We’ve always had good individual players out there,” Rosenthal said. “My whole thing is that you’re not going to win as individuals.”

Perram, a two-meter player, scored a school-record 120 goals the last two years, including 72 last season. She scored eight goals in one game.

Antonsen, a driver who was named all-section as a sophomore, had 111 goals the last three years, including 55 last season.

Utility player Clark is the team thief, with 131 career steals the last two years, including 84 last season.

Harvard-Westlake Coach Rich Corso, former coach of the U.S. men’s team, is impressed by Agoura, which opened the season last week with a 13-0 victory over Ventura.

“They may not have the best player, but it is clear they do have the best team,” said Corso, who has a returning All-American in Paloma Slezak.

The only position Rosenthal had to fill was goalkeeper, where junior Graziella Caredda replaces Michelle Rozzen.

Caredda, who shut out Ventura in her first varsity start, is no stranger to the team. She saw limited action playing behind Rozzen last year.

“They knew that they were going to have to replace Michelle from last year,” Rosenthal said. “They were pretty happy we brought [Graziella] up, since she had worked with them already.”

Rosenthal has two key reserves, both of whom he believes could start for any other team in the Marmonte League.

Senior Missy Gorman will reprise her role as the first player off of the bench. Senior Keriann Miranda is a driver with a strong outside shot and good defensive skills.

“The good thing about my starting group is that they’re all pretty good at guarding the two-meter [player],” Rosenthal said. “What’s always been my thing as a coach is defense. I want all of my players to be able to guard any position.”

Rosenthal said the Chargers make up for their weaknesses with team play.

“Their weaknesses are a little less subtle and their weaknesses are over-compensated by the things they do well together,” Rosenthal said. “The only reason I know they have weaknesses is because I coach them every day.”

Rosenthal said the team concept compensates for any conflicts among players.

“These girls might be mad at each other once in a while, or not talking to each other, but when they get in the pool it doesn’t matter,” Rosenthal said. “They’re going to pass and they’re going to be a team.”

Agoura resumes play on Dec. 12 with a game against defending Division III champion Bell Gardens at Pasadena City College.

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TEAMS TO WATCH

THE PROVEN

Crescenta Valley: The Falcons return five starters, including junior drivers Megan Winchell (50 goals) and Jessie Stiles (40 goals).

Harvard-Westlake: The Wolverines return All-American senior driver Paloma Slezak and senior All-Southern Section selection Courtney Quinn.

La Canada: The Spartans return two-meter player Mariah Zebrowski and will benefit from moving to the Rio Hondo League from the competitive Mission League, dominated by Harvard-Westlake.

Newbury Park: The Division II quarterfinalists return three senior starters, two-meter defender Jennifer Martens, driver Lindsay Berke and goalkeeper Rachel Hutchings.

THE PROMISING

Royal: The Highlanders return three All-Marmonte League players under first-year Coach Devin Hurst.

Alemany: Senior two-meter defender Molly Feeney and senior driver Jeanine Long worked out with Harvard-Westlake in a summer league.

Buena: Danielle Rios has scored 12 goals in three games to spark the Bulldogs to a 3-0 start, but the Channel League has defending Division II champion Santa Barbara and three other playoff teams.