Spartans fall to Harvard-Westlake in semifinals
RMHS has talent to compete again next year, coach says
By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com

WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers SUCCESSFUL SEASON- Rio Mesa High's Leann Atkinson goes for a loose ball during the Spartan girls' water polo team's first-round playoff victory over St. Joseph last week. On Wednesday afternoon in Pasadena, RMHS was eliminated in the CIF-SS Division IV semifinals by Harvard-Westlake.

The Rio Mesa High girls' water polo team's season came to an end Wednesday, as the Spartans lost to top-seeded Harvard Westlake 9-3 in the CIF-Southern Section Division IV semifinals.

It was the furthest the Spartans (258) had ever gone in the playoffs. Rio Mesa had lost in the quarter-finals the last three years.

On Thursday morning, head coach Keith McKnett reflected on the Spartans' season.

"The girls just had a little more hunger this year," McKnett said. "When we were in the quarterfinals, we wanted it so badly because we had come so close the last three years. I always told my team during the season to be proud of what you've done but don't be satisfied.

"I'm very proud of my team. There's a big commitment in playing water polo, and these girls stuck with it to the end."

McKnett is hoping the team's recent success is the beginning of something even better for the program.

"When I started coaching here, my main goal was to turn Rio Mesa into a team that could win CIF," McKnett said.

"We got pretty close this year, and we have a lot of talent coming up from the junior varsity level next season to make another run at it. We have great coaches and a great facility, and I believe success breeds success."