Girls’ Water Polo

This season, the South Eugene girls’ water polo team has gone 20-3 overall and 2-0 in conference play. The Axe only have one conference opponent – a Sheldon Irish team, over whom they’ve dominated this year, sweeping their two matchups. 

This rally continued out of state when the Axe finished first place in the 45th annual Western States Women’s Water Polo Tournament. South headed into playoffs with high hopes and looking to crush any competition that came their way. 

The team played Tigard in the first round, with a 13-0 win that advanced them to the quarterfinals against Lake Oswego, where they came away with an 18-6 win. South  defeated Sam Barlow, 11-2, on Friday, Nov. 10 in the semifinals. At time of print, South’s team was set to play in their first state final on Saturday, Nov. 11. against Lakeridge. – By Dylan Stevens

Boys’ Water Polo

The South Eugene boys’ water polo team has been on a tear in conference play this year, currently 7-0, with one more game to go on their schedule. Overall they’ve gone 13-8 and have their sights on a playoff run. 

“I think we’ve come a long way,” sophomore Chuck Bindstadt said. 

The team had some key, experienced seniors who graduated last year; this was a hit to the team, but that didn’t stop them. 

“The younger guys really took a step up and we started to win more games, even without those guys,” Bindstadt added. 

The team placed first in the conference, letting them advance to state, where they lost in quarterfinals, 3-14 to the second seed Lake Oswego. 

“There’s some good teams in the state,” Bindstadt said. But he is confident he and his teammates will be able to succeed in the postseason.

Article by Dylan Stevens