Vikings gear up to defend water polo league title

With 10 players returning from last year's undefeated league champs, the Viks should be in good shape to contend for a repeat title in 2007. Despite losing 8 seasoned veterans from last year's squad, this year's edition appears to be an overall better swimming team, but will probably experience some growing pains as the new swimmers on the team learning the game of polo. Doing most of the teaching will be returning starters Joanna Boschee' and Paige Boyer. Also figuring into the mix will be co captains, Hope Mahnken and Katie Hayes, two of the team's top defensive players. The Vikings will also look to sophomore Lauren Griffin and her blazing speed to stretch defenses. Seniors Sam Evan and Brenda Pogue have also looked good in early season drills. Junior Alex Clark will takeover in the cage for Kelsey Hamilton, who enrolled at Rogers High School. She has just joined the team as a result of being involved with the basketball team's march to the 4A state tournament. Newcomers that have impressed so far include freshman Kat Ost, and juniors Marissa Fletcher and Chelsey Coble. Puyallup will look north and south for challenges for the league title from Enumclaw and Auburn Riverside and Rogers. Puyallup will open up league play Tuesday, March 13 with a road game against Auburn Mountainview at the Auburn pool. Game time is set for 7 pm. Puyallup's home opener is Friday, March 16 against Sumner. Game time is 7:30.