by Matt Schwab

The Las Positas women's water polo team is gaining ground after a slow start this season against powerhouse competition.
The surging Hawks (3-8, 3-1 Coast Conference) have conference wins over College of San Mateo 14-8, City College of San Francisco 20-5, and Ohlone 16-10.
"The first part of the season we saw some of the top teams in the state, so it understandable that we would have a record which we do," Faix Bennett said. "Once we started into the (conference) season this changed and we are now 3-1 in conference."
A group of experienced competitors are keying the team's rise.
"We have a few key returning players who are proving to be major contributors to our team," Hawks coach Kate Faix Bennett said, mentioning Amy Heath, Makenzie Duffin, and Jaymie Helm.
She also pointed out the solid start of freshman goalie Casey Reil.
Impressively, Heath is 12th in the state in goals scored with 42 in nine games played, and Duffin is 23rd in CA with 32 goals in 11 games played. Duffin also has 19 assists.