Jenna Murphy

Steve Virgen

For some reason they are set apart, perhaps because of their

unique ability, and probably because they are different. They are

called southpaws, lefties. Michael Vick is one. The Newport Harbor

High girls water polo team has one, who is a senior Jenna Murphy.

Newport Coach Bill Barnett said he is a more at ease when Murphy

is in the game. So, when Murphy displayed her qualities in supreme

fashion last week in the Newport Harbor-Corona del Mar Holiday Cup,

Barnett was not surprised.

“I always notice special things about her,” Barnett said. “She’s a

very great player. She has speed. She’s left-handed and throws the

ball very hard. She’s been a varsity player for us for four years.”

Barnett also pointed out Murphy’s consistency and how valuable it

has been so far this season. Murphy’s consistency not only comes from

the advantage of being left-handed, but the Newport senior also

maintains an extraordinary amount of effort wherever she is at.

Fittingly, Murphy is classified as a utility player. She’s not just a

left-handed player used in special situations.

That became more clear in last week’s Holiday Cup title game

against Foothill. Murphy scored a team-high three goals and

distributed two assists against Newport’s nemesis, Foothill. Though

the Sailors lost, 8-7, Murphy and her teammates gained confidence and

also showed they truly belonged among the elite.

Murphy also scored two goals, dished out two assists and recorded

five steals to lead the Sailors past Santa Margarita, 10-8, in the

semifinals. When Santa Margarita pulled the deficit to, 9-8, in the

fourth quarter, Murphy secured the win with a goal with 1:55

remaining.

Murphy totaled three goals in limited play in two big wins Dec.

27, when Newport outscored opponents, 33-4, in the first day of the

tournament.

“We had a bumpy road with CdM (losing to the Sea Kings the week

before),” Murphy said. “We were ready to prove that we were a good

team. We had to come back from not playing not such a good game. Now

we know we have to work harder. The week we had to work before the

tournament, that helped us come together.”

After Newport suffered its first loss of the season, a 6-5 setback

to Back Bay rival CdM Dec. 20, the Sailors concentrated on improving.

Murphy simply reminded herself that this is her senior year. She

thought back to the decision she made in early December. That was

when she chose to play for UCLA next year.

“I thought it would be easier to get it over with, so I wouldn’t

have to worry about it during the season,” said Murphy, the Daily

Pilot Athlete of the Week. “I just wanted to focus on school. It’s my

senior year, so I want it to be the best. And, I know the 10 seniors

on this team want the same thing this year. I don’t think it will be

that difficult. We have a lot of talent.”

Murphy is also confident in the Sailors because of the team

chemistry.

“We have a lot of team spirit,” Murphy said. “We all get along

with each other. We have team dinners each week. We’re always

spending time with each other. We have been playing with each other

for at least six years. We know everything about each other.”

The Sailors also know they can depend on Murphy in crucial

situations. She proved such last week.

“She can do it all,” Barnett said. “She can set, counterattack.

She plays great defense and runs our six-on-five. She’s always going

to play tough. I know that.”