Punahou water polo closing out era
By Dennis Anderson
Advertiser Staff Writer
The first generation of start-to-finish girls water polo players at Punahou is nearing graduation, and they have matured into the school's best team ever.
"Six of our seniors have been in our program for six years, the first class that has played all the way from seventh grade," Punahou coach Ken Smith said. "This is the strongest, most experienced team we've had."
It appears that only Iolani, which Punahou plays tonight, stands in the way of a sixth straight Interscholastic League of Honolulu championship for the Buffanblu. Both teams are 2-0 in the ILH and Punahou went 8-2 against club teams in a spring break trip to Oregon.
Five of Punahou's seniors will play next year on NCAA Division I teams — three of them for defending national champion UCLA as recruited walk-ons.
"I have mixed feelings," Smith said, "a lot of excitement because of potential of this team and a lot of sadness because it is the last year I'll be with them. They have made every practice fun for six years because they work so hard and have great team chemistry."
Iolani coach Mark Cornish admits, "We don't have the all-stars Punahou has, but as long as we can structure the game to fit our strengths and take away their strengths and slow it down, as long as we are close at the end, we have a chance. I'm excited, I can't wait."
Admission is free at Punahou's Waterhouse Pool. Gametime is at 7:15.
These are Punahou's six senior six-year veterans:
• Katie Flanagan: Recruited by UCLA, where her sister starts. Selected last year on a USA Water Polo Youth Team. Versatile defender.
• Daya Mau: Best athlete on the team, started for state runner-up state team volleyball team last fall after not playing for two years. Will play water polo for Arizona State.
• Anne Richardson: ILH Player of Year the past two years. Desire to succeed shown by great work ethic, even offseason. UCLA took her for her versatility.
• Meagan Fawcett: Though a goalkeeper, she's an excellent passer, can start fast breaks. "She thrives on chaos. When hell is breaking loose around the goal, she's smiling. She likes that atmosphere," Smith said.
• Robin Cornuelle: Starting her senior year after six years working towards it.
• Kristen Simunovich: ILH sprint champion and 2001 ILH Swimmer of the Year is first sub.
