The Estevan Sharks mini-atom and atom water polo teams got back into the pool this past Sunday for their annual season-opening tournament at the R.M. of Estevan Aquatic Centre.
The mini-atom Sharks, which features seven-year-old swimmers, entered two teams into the tournament. The Sharks red team started the competition by earning a 2-1 win over the Sharks blue squad, but fell short in their next two games to Weyburn and Regina. The blue team fought hard in their early tournament matches, but fell short until their final game when they bested the Weyburn Hurricanes 9-0.
The atom Sharks had two boy's teams and one girl's team participating in the tournament. The Sharks boys one team earned a second-place finish tallying two wins, one tie and 10-7 loss to the Regina Armada Orange despite the strong play by Tristan Threinen who potted four goals in the defeat. The Sharks boys two team went 0-2-1 through their first three matches, but found their groove in their last game beating the Regina Armada Green 11-1 on the strength of the play of their veteran leaders Lucas Dzeryk and Logan Dalziel.
The Sharks girls team began the day with a 6-5 loss to the Regina Armada, but they bounced back to post a 9-5 win over the Regina Armada Grey. The team held their own in two more games leading to a second-place finish at the tournament.
The mini-atom and atom tournament is used by the Sharks to help their new players figure out the game and their returning players brush up on their skills. Sharks veteran Abbygael Birnie was one of the many experienced swimmers who took part in the tournament helping guide her new teammates during the games.
