On Jan. 28, 2026, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls water polo team celebrated its senior night with an outstanding 20-4 victory against Cate School at the Ventura Aquatic Center pool. With this game being the last of the regular season, it placed the team in second place in the Tri-Valley league with a 4-2 record, as well as an overall season record of 11-5.
Following the game, the team celebrated their five seniors, Larissa Myers ‘26, Caroline Vanderkooij ‘26, Jaelisa Lozano-Rivera ‘26, Lauren Happle ‘26 and Kira Pruitt ‘26.
The Dragons proved to be strong and consistent the whole game, as the ball was on their side of the pool for most of the game. Foothill Tech started with the ball and scored almost immediately after the whistle. They continued to score and prove there was no stopping the Dragons, scoring nine goals in the first quarter and giving up none.
Lozano-Rivera and Vanderkooij both started off the second quarter with a goal for the Dragons, bringing them to an 11-0 lead. Cate then called a timeout, but this didn’t slow down the Dragons at all as Vanderkooij and Pruitt both helped to contribute to an additional three points on the scoreboard. With this, the second quarter ended 14-0.
Foothill Tech started the third quarter with the ball; however, Cate was able to pick up their defense and slow the Dragons down. Samantha Roberts ‘27, a key player in the match, brought the dragons up to 15-0 after an impressive goal. Despite the Dragons’ large lead, Cate was able to make two goals during the third quarter and a couple of solid blocks, making these goals their first of the game.
Going into the fourth quarter with a lead of 16-2, the Dragons were able to score four more goals, followed by two goals from Cate. Foothill Tech ended the game with a 20-4 celebratory victory for their seniors as well as advancing to the CIF playoffs.
