TOWAMENCIN- One week after the boys jumped into the pool celebrating their victory over Cumberland Valley, the North Penn girls water polo team did the same after defeating a familiar foe in a thriller of a game.

“I think the key to our success this year and every year is the fact that we are a family and we mimic that closeness in the pool with our gameplay. We have great communication and that really sets us apart from other teams,” senior captain Caroline Dunigan said.

The girls fought hard to get to the championship game as they beat Souderton in the first round of states by a score of 11-5. The semifinal game was a revenge game in the making. They faced off against Wissahickon, who they previously lost to on their senior night. This time, the result was different as the Knights took down Wissahickon, 12-6 and moved to the state championship game.

In the back and forth game against Cumberland Valley, the hero of the night became Paige Mitchell with her behind the back shot to put the Knights up 8-7. With the final minute running down, the Knights held off the Eagles last desperation shots to win their 6th straight state title. 

“We beat Cumberland Valley in the final game to break their undefeated record. It really brought us together as a team realizing that we have what it takes to play and beat them at states,” junior Lizzy Koerper said.

The team included many All-State team selections. Kaelan Daly and Caroline Dunigan were selected to the first team. Lizzy Koerper and Grace McLaughlin were named to the second team, Jane Montague to the third team, and Nicole Chiappa got an honorable mention. Also, Anna Evans and Brenna Mancini were selected to the All-Freshman State Team.

As the girls now reminisce on all the happy memories, they get to pass the torch down to the younger classmen to continue the dynasty for girls water polo. 

“There is plenty of fresh talent that will be in the pool next year that I, and the rest of the senior class, know are ready to take on their new roles. I would tell them to be confident in their abilities and don’t let anybody doubt you because there is another state title waiting to be brought home,” Dunigan remarked. 

For the seniors, they got to end their polo careers on top and right here where they spent most of their career, Rick Carroll Natatorium. 

“It felt great to win at home because it was obviously our last home game ever with this team. We got to do it in the place where we’ve spent countless hours over the last four years,” senior Jane Montague said.