GVWP Falls to Malibu, Rebounds Against Del Sol

January 20, 2026

Cate 4 = 0 + 2 + 0 + 2

Malibu 18 = 10 + 4 + 2 + 2

Goals: Ellie Daly (2), Carmen Lack (1), Alena Ballat (1)

Assists: Maria Salyards (2), Alena Ballat (2)

Takeaways: Alena Ballat (3), Carmen Lack (1)

Saves: Amber Lam (4)

On Thursday, our Cate girls’ water polo hosted our second league match of the season against Malibu High School. The Sharks are an experienced group of girls who swim and play water polo year-round, presenting a series of challenges for our group. Their starting unit was physical, cohesive, and organized, allowing them to jump out to an early lead that they never looked back from.

In the second half, we were able to get going a bit more offensively. Freshman Elly Daly scored on back-to-back possessions to open the scoring for us. Maria Salyards was able to drop some pinpoint passes into the center for Daly to turn and score. Later in the game, Carmen Lack had a really nice outside shot placed into the top corner. Finally, Alena Ballat got one to go from the perimeter during a 7 on 6 situation where we pulled our goalie for an extra attacking player. We had some great moments in the second half and learned a ton against a skilled and talented group.

Cate 16 = 2 + 5 + 4 + 7

Del Sol 5 = 1 + 3 + 0 + 1

Goals: Carmen Lack (4), Sofia Wang (3), Sydney Brass (2), Violet Monda (2), Maria Salyards (2), Amber Lam (1), Ellie Daly (1), Michelle Wu (1)

Assists: Violet Monda (4), Maria Salyards (2), Alena Ballat (2), Ellie Daly (1), Sofia Wang (1)

Takeaways: Chloe Chen (2), Sydney Brass (2), Ellie Daly (1)

Saves: Amber Lam (5)

On Friday, we faced Del Sol High School in a non-league home game. Our group played an aggressive press defense, allowing us to counter and create steady scoring opportunities throughout the game. I was proud of the response and energy our girls showed after a difficult game the day before. While shorthanded due to the MUN trip, we had contributions across the board, on both ends of the pool, in our 16-5 win.

Senior Captain Carmen Lack had a terrific game, finding the back of the net four times. Her game has grown game in, game out this season, and it has been amazing to watch her settle into an important scoring role with our group. Violet Monda was a terrific playmaker for us. Filling into a new position is never easy, and Violet did so with poise and precision. Maria Salyards was a consistent counterattacker, using her speed and anticipation to create opportunities for herself and her teammates.

Looking ahead, we face league opponent Foothill Tech at home today at 3:15. Go Rams!