Strake Jesuit played host to the Jalapeno League Friday morning as water polo clubs from the Greater Houston Area tested their skill against each other at the outdoor facilities.

The men’s and women’s  leagues, comprised of the Dirty Bay Aquatics, Jesuit WPC, Bay Area Dorados, Lone Star WPF, and Cy Fair WPC, present swimmers with an opportunity to try their hand at a sport which favors their comfort level in the water.

“Our kids come from all over. Whoever wants to join, joins,” Cy Fair women’s coach Valerie Martin said. “A lot of it comes from kids that are going into high school swimming.”

Each team was allowed to compete in two games in their respective league with the Dirty Bay Aquatics leading the way, sweeping the male and female divisions. The Lone Star squad swept the women’s division as well.

The men’s league was more evenly matched as every club but the Jesuits won at least one game.

The opportunity to further the sport and pick their athletes gave the coaches ample enthusiasm despite the oppressive heat.

“You have to convince people that water polo is right for them,” Bay Area’s Coach Scott Slay said.

Unfortunately, the weather didn’t let up when thunder struck and lightning warnings forced the teams out of the water, cutting short the last quarter of the last game.

However, every team was able to play in the main recreational league.

“It’s really good for the developmental aspect of the sport,” Slay said. “Just growing it and getting it."

Final Scoreboard
Girls                                    Boys
1. Dirty Bay-7         Cy Fair-2            1. Dirty Bay-13    Cy Fair- 4
2. Lone Star-17    Bay Area-1             2. Lone Star- 18    Bay Area-7
3. Dirty bay-13    Jesuit- 4            3. Dirty Bay- 13    Jesuit-5
4. Lone Star-8        Cy Fair-3            4. Cy Fair- 9        Lone Star- 6
5. *Bay Area-7    Jesuit-5            5. *Bay Area- 8    Jesuit- 3

*Game stopped after 3rd quarter due to lightning.

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