This weekend will prove to be an exciting one as the ASU water polo team hosts its first home game of the season.
The No. 5 Sun Devils (14-2) are off to an impressive start and look to keep up the intensity when they compete against San Diego State for the second time in two weeks.
“We didn’t have our best game against them in the tournament last weekend, and we know that we can do so much better against them,” freshman Makenzy Fowler said. “We’re really excited to go out there and redeem ourselves and show everybody what we can do.”
The Sun Devils fell just short of victory against the Aztecs (9-8) on Sunday, but they’re looking forward to their second chance at a victory.
Junior Shannon Haas agreed they didn’t do their best the first time around, but is positive a home game will boost the energy and motivation to play better.
Coach Todd Clapper said the team experienced mental lapses during the SDSU game from not playing disciplined defense and offense, something he looks forward to seeing improve this weekend.
“We know what to work on,” Haas said. “It was nice actually to play them because now we know in practice what we need to focus on.”
Improving defense is a key concept the Sun Devils are continuing to focus on, as well as executing an effective counter attack. The main goal this weekend is to deny any counter goals or center shots, Haas said.
Although those factors are vital components that improve competitiveness, communication drills are drawing the spotlight in practice this week.
Clapper emphasized the importance of “getting them to look around and talk to each other, whether it’s offense or defense, and quickly identifying where their teammates are on offense as well as what the defense is trying to do.”
Holding true to that sentiment, Haas agreed that they’re working on holding their positions and getting their defense down.
Clapper said the Sun Devils are also paying special attention to the goalkeepers this week. He said it’s important to get sophomore Ianeta Hutchinson comfortable and consistent in the net, raising her level of play.
“She’s got it in her,” he said.
One thing’s for sure, the Sun Devils are eager to bring the competition to their home stadium in Tempe, ready to show their resilience and passion for the game.
“We’re all going to be super excited and really pumped up because it’s our first home game,” Fowler said. “It’s a blackout game, and we know a lot of our families and friends are going to be there to cheer us on.”
Clapper also commented on how a home crowd can affect a team.
“Enthusiasm is definitely going to be there,” he said. “They are a competitive group and they’re going to come out and compete. It’s just a matter of doing those little things and being a little bit more aware both on offense and defense — and in between — that I think is going to make the difference in Saturday’s game,” he said.
Reach the reporter at fawade@asu.edu
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