Starting its season off later than usual, the JV water polo team had its season opener against Grand Ledge at home. The team consists of 14 members, all freshman and sophomores from each of the Forest Hills schools. It was each girl’s first high school game due to the cancelation of last years’ season. The team played well, as the game came down to one goal in the last 20 seconds. 

The girls started the game off strong, scoring five goals in the first quarter. While the Comets only put one in the net, Grand Ledge started to catch up by providing a closer game going into the second half only up by one.

“Our team played really strong in the first quarter, northern freshman Elliott McAlpine said. “As the game went on, we struggled to keep the same energy we had in the first quarter.”

The team’s top scorers for the night were FHC sophomore Sydney Vanlente with two goals, FHN freshman Anna Wiechertjes with three goals, and Elliott McAlpine with three goals as well. Another notable player was the team’s goalie, FHC sophomore Sydney Bacon, with several saves. 

“I was not expecting to even score one goal, so to score three was super exciting, and I felt like I contributed to the team’s win,”Elliott said.

The game was tied 8-8 nearing the end of the 4th quarter and Forest Hills had the ball. Needing a goal to save themselves from overtime, FHN freshman Nora Havemeier saw the opportunity, took a shot with 20 seconds left. She scored her first goal of the season to put the team at nine goals with a 9-8 lead.

Winning its first game, Forest Hills is off to a great start with many more games to come. The team will next play in a tournament against multiple opponents at Grandville on Friday, April 16th.