With only 16 players, the girls water polo varsity and JV teams struggled to find enough players for two full squads this year. However, the Indians proved to be small but mighty. The Varsity team (2-3-1) finished third in the Golden Empire League and advanced to CIF.
Surpassing expectations, the team won its first two CIF games, and even made it to quarterfinals. In the first round the girls won a close 4-3 against Warren High School on Feb 7. Reaching the second round of CIF, the team played confident against Heritage High School and won 10-5. The Tribe reached the quarterfinals and faced El Dorado in a very close match on Feb. 18. The game would determine which school would go to semifinals, and both teams were determined to win. A tie at the last quarter (3-3) led the into overtime. In the final moments, Fullerton lost by a small margin, 4-3.
The advancement to CIF assured players that even with a small roster, the team could still be successful. Apart from the wins, CIF was especially important as it united the small team through tough competition. Senior Olivia Brazo mentions that she is going to miss many of the girls she met during the highschool season.
“The past four years have been really fun. They’ve been fun and also tough, because a big struggle for us is getting enough people to play. But that let the team get really close and become good friends. We have our moments, and that’s what comes with being on a team. It’s something I’m gonna miss. “
Senior Janessa Gallardo (pictured) wrestling her opponent in the 42-18 win against Segerstrom on Jan 8.
The girls wrestling team had a successful season with six girls advancing to CIF. Junior Izabella Luna and Senior Janessa Gallardo both finished in the top 32 in their respective weight classes to go to the CIF-SS master meet. Luna went 2-2 in her matches and Gallardo 0-2. Gallardo said the hefty amount of work she endured helped her reach where she is now, “I think if I didn’t do preseason practices, I don’t think I would have gotten to where I did,” Gallardo said. “But, again, it being my senior year and making it to Masters and CIF was more than enough. I was very happy.”
Sophomore Jonah Moreno placed 4th in the Empire league qualifying for CIF along with freshman Joseph Arredondo, junior Alan Sandoval, seniors Landon MacGill, Gavin Blotti and Christian Godinez.
The FUHS girls basketball team finished league 4-4 giving them third place and a spot in CIF for the first time in 11 years.
In the first round of CIF FUHS beat Fillmore 49-20 being the first in 15 years to win a CIF playoff game. Advancing to the second round the girls faced Hillcrest losing 32-27 ending their run.
The girls soccer team went undefeated in the Golden West League Championship. This is the first championship for the Girls Soccer program since 2006 and the second league championship in team history.
Coach George Maisterra attributes the success to depth, culture, and passion. Maisterra mentions that players who transferred from Troy in 2023 added more layers to the team and diversified the environment.
“As a coach, we want to see depth because we can build into it and change the complexion of the team.”
Not only did the depth of the team shift when Maisterra took over as coach, he also changed the culture. In years prior, Maisterra notes that the girls were unfamiliar with each other. He says that in order for the girls to play better on the field, they needed to get comfortable on the team.
“They’re going to play better with their teammates. Trust is a huge thing. We had to change the culture of how they thought of themselves as a soccer team,” Maisterra says.
Lastly, Maisterra mentions that passion drove the team to a league win. The majority of the team was willing to do their part.
“We have players that don’t lose the ball and put their body on the line for their team.”
Despite the historical season, the girls ended up losing to Long Beach Poly in CIF playoffs
The Boys basketball finished its season with a record of 17-11 and in a 3 way tie for 2nd in the Empire league. The team’s 17 wins are the most season wins in Fullerton Boys Basketball since 2007. The Tribe didn’t qualify for CIF despite placing second due to losing a coin flip to Costa Mesa for 2nd place. Then losing the tie breaker game 54-32 against Calvary Chapel on Feb 5.
Junior Jahshua Harris(pictured) fights for possession of the ball while facing 3 opponents. The tribe eneded their season with 1-4-3. The varsity boys soccer team’s season ended with a hard fought battle with Valencia High School on feb 5 where they lost a close 3-2.
