GVWP Drops to Villanova, Topples Del Sol

January 26, 2026

Girls Water Polo Cate vs Villanova & Del Sol

Cate 3 = 1 + 0 + 2 + 0

Villanova 13 = 4 + 2 + 3 + 4

Goals: Maria Salyards (3)

Assists: Ellie Walmsley (1), Madeline Losey (1),

Takeaways: Violet Monda (5), Chloe Chen (2), Betsy Peters (2)

Saves: Amber Lam (4), Ellie Walmsley (3)

Last week, our Cate girls’ water polo team hosted Villanova for our final home game of the season and senior night. Before the game, we recognized and congratulated our three senior captains, Carmen Lack, Madeline Losey, and Chloe Chen. They have invested so much of their time, effort, and care into our water polo program during their time at Cate, and we are forever grateful. It has been incredible to see their growth and development as athletes and now leaders. They are leaving behind a positive legacy that will be ingrained in our team’s culture for years to come.

While we didn’t come out on top during the game, I think we showcased significant improvement from our first matchup with Villanova. Just 12 days ago, we traveled to Ojai and gave up 23 goals to this same team. It was nice to see our defense step up and play more together as a unit. There were also outstanding individual performances. Maria Salyards tallied all three of our scores, notching her first hat trick of the season. The counterattack specialist was able to capitalize on almost all of her fast-break opportunities. Ellie Walmsley made her return from injury and recorded three second-half saves and an assist.

Cate 12 = 4 + 1 + 4 + 3

Del Sol 6 = 2 + 1 + 0 + 3

Goals: Alena Ballat (2), Madeline Losey (2), Violet Monda (2), Maria Salyards (2), Sydney Brass (1), Carmen Lack (1), Betsy Peters (1), Sofia Wang (1)

Assists: Carmen Lack (2), Violet Monda (2), Maria Salyards (2), Sofia Wang (2), Ellie Walmsley (1), Amber Lam (1), Madeline Losey (1), Betsy Peters (1)

Takeaways: Alena Ballat (2), Chloe Chen (2), Mila Hurst (2), Violet Monda (2), Betsy Peters (2), Maria Salyards (2), Sofia Wang (2), Michelle Wu (1), Sydney Brass (1), Caroline Held (1), Carmen Lack (1)

Saves: Amber Lam (4), Ellie Walmsley (3)

On Friday, we traveled to Oxnard for our second matchup of the season with Del Sol. We battled in a close first half but pulled away in the third quarter with stifling team defense and well-executed offensive possessions. Del Sol had two outside shooters who could really sling it, so it took greater attention to detail and organization to keep them contained. I was proud of how our girls competed after a couple of challenging games earlier in the week. They bounced back and played with a ton of joy, energy, and selflessness.

This was one of the most balanced and well-rounded games of contributions from our group. Everyone who touched the water made a positive impact. Madeline Losey got us started by scoring the first two goals of the game; one on a counterattack and another on a terrific front-court drive. Violet Monda and Maria Salyards each had two goals, two assists, and two takeaways – making their presence felt all game long. Lastly, Mila Hurst played terrific two-meter defense on one of Del Sol’s stronger offensive contributors. She has made great strides this season and was involved and impactful in this one.

Looking ahead, we travel to Malibu on Tuesday afternoon for our second-to-last game of the season. Go Rams!