The Tribune

THE seven members of the Bahamas national water polo team returned home last night after teaming up with members of the North Houston Storm team where they captured the gold medal at the USA Junior Olympics in California.

The team, named the BahStorm, pulled off a big 17-15 win over the Wolverines as Gabriel Sastre and Nicholas Wallace-Whitfield both scored five goals. Gabriel Encinar added three.

Proud parents have taken to social media to continue to promote and support these young men and their many accomplishments.

“We played the man-up situations very well and the shots were on point. Our counter-attacks were dangerous. The lead allowed us to utilise the younger players giving them valuable experience,” was how members of the team summed up their performances.

Xander Gomez also did exceptionally well in his under-18 age bracket in the tournament. BahStorm also knocked off the 209 Water Polo team 17-14. “The first quarter proved to be a very equally matched game but by the second quarter our speed and understanding. Our tactical advantages allowed us to overpower the opponent and we increased the score to 11-6,” said one of the parents who accompanied the team.

“Then our two highest-scoring players got excluded and with a lot of interesting calls and man ups the 209 team came back to 14-13. I asked for mental toughness and when the opponent opened up to all-out attack on our young men. We beat them by stealing their balls and by issuing counter attacks. It was a very hard game where our perseverance and cool heads brought home the victory.”

The BahStorm played matches until Tuesday afternoon. They are now ranked at No. 38 out of 144 US-based water polo teams.

The team and their family members are inviting members of the public to support their endeavours by contributing to their Go Fund me which will help with future travel and lodging costs among other things.

For further information, persons can also contact coach Lotty (242) 432-5054 or Christine Wallace-Whitfield at (242) 357-9798.