Season underway for Breaker girls

Mike Sciacca

Rick McKee’s first year as head coach of the Laguna Beach High girls’

water polo program could turn out to be something special.

That’s the way McKee views the season, already underway and one

that continues with weekend play at the Villa Park Tournament.

McKee’s first edition features one returning All-Pacific Coast

League performer and several players who have played club water polo.

“This team also has a special chemistry that few teams are ever

able to achieve,” McKee said. “Overall, I think this is going to be a

very special season.”

A closer look at the 2003-04 Breaker girls’ water polo team:

Head coach/Year: Rick McKee (first)

2002-03 overall record: 23-7

2003 League Record: 4-1

CIF Playoff Results: Semifinal round appearance

Returning Starters: Addison Doud, utility, Jr.; Kat Gordon,

driver, Jr.; Anna Nelson, utility, Jr.

Returning All-League Performers: Addison Doud, utility, Jr.,

second-team.

Other Returners: Elizabeth Rooklidge, driver, Jr.; Alison Wallis,

driver, Jr.; Alanna Thomson, driver, Jr.; Megan Vick, driver, Jr.;

Dena Berkson, driver, Jr.

Newcomers: Jessica McKee, set, Fr.; Breanna Duplisea, utility,

Fr.; Tina Maia, driver, Sr.

Team Outlook: “This is a very strong team,” Rick McKee said. “Even

though they are young, most of them have been playing club polo for a

few years. They will give Corona del Mar all they can handle for the

league title, and they should go very deep into the playoffs this

year.”

Team’s Strengths: “Speed, experience and it is physically very

strong,” McKee said.

Coach’s Thoughts: “Addison Doud is an impact player. Combine her

physical strength and shooting ability with the speed and experience

of Kat Gordon and Breanna Duplisea, the physical strength and

experience of Jessica McKee and Anna Nelson, and the strength of the

other role players like Elizabeth Rooklidge, Alison Wallis, Dena

Berkson, Megan Vick, Tina Maia and Alanna Thomson in the goal, and it

will make for a great and exciting season.”