Acalanes Girls Water Polo Preview: Dons Look to Compete for DFAL Title

School: Acalanes

Sport: Girls water polo

Coach: Misha Buchel

2009 record: 14-10

Key returners: Casey Reid, Senior, Defender; Barbara Lanier, Junior, Center; Adrienne Burgin, Senior, Utility; Molly Quinn, Junior, Defender

Top newcomer: Megan Mes, Junior, Goalie

Quote:  "This is the best chance we've had since I've been here to win the league and compete for an NCS title." – coach Misha Buchel

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Powered by a strong team defense and the return of seven of the top eight field players from 2009, the Acalanes High girls water polo team is hoping for a successful 2010 season, led by Misha Buchel, who is entering his sixth year as coach of the Dons.

Last year, his team took third place in the competitive Diablo Foothill Athletic League and returns a strong core, led by 2009 first-team all-leaguers Casey Reid and Adrienne Burgin, as well as second-team selections in juniors Barbara Lanier and Molly Quinn.

After finishing third in league, the Dons advanced to the North Coast Section quarterfinals where they lost to DFAL-foe Las Lomas, 5-2.  The playoff experience should serve well for this year's squad.

"Every year we work on getting better," Buchel said. "By bringing every significant player back, we want to win the whole thing."

While the Dons return plenty of experience in the field, they will be featuring a new goalie, as junior Megan Mes takes over for former all-league goalie Ellie Stern. After playing junior varsity last season, Buchel feels Mes is capable of taking over.

"She's worked really hard over the last two years, and we saw her as the heir apparent (to Stern)" Buchel said.  "We've talked a lot, and I've told her that we can be as good as she allows us to be."

The Dons season kicks off against Northgate on Sept. 8, and then they host the Acalanes Invitational, where they will face plenty of tough competition.

With top East Bay teams like Monte Vista, Carondelet, San Ramon Valley and Campolindo a part of the 16-team field, Buchel said their annual event has become the strongest tourney in the North Coast Section.

The two-day event will take place on Sept. 10 and 11, and will be held at Las Lomas and Campolindo.

When DFAL play starts up, the Dons will compete again with Las Lomas and Campolindo, among others, for the league crown.

"(The DFAL) should be as wide open as ever," Buchel said. "We feel like we're bringing back a lot, and our goal is to win league."

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