After winning a state championship for the first time in the Falcon women’s water polo program history, the team is preparing for another season but with new expectations and a different approach having to defend their title.

In addition to local bragging rights by Cerritos women’s water pPolo defeating Long Beach City College in the state championship game, the Falcons enter this new fall season with a majority of returning All-American players such Yvonne Ruvalcaba, second-teamers Adrianna Rodriguez, Karen Aguirre and stand out multi-sport athlete/first-teamer Natalie Peng.

A team that mainly depended upon its speed and aggressive defense will continue that same focus in to this upcoming season and the off season workouts that Conference Coach of the Year Sergio Macias has been working with has consisted of rigorous cardio exercises as well as stretching and strict diets.

That kind of health commitment is something players like Natalie Peng take seriously who, is a swimmer as well as water polo player and has been doing so since childhood.

For someone who, has seen a lot of early success in swimming, Peng has made it clear that she has bigger and better plans beyond the sport of swimming and water polo.

“Although swimming is a big deal in my family and has been a part of my life, I hope to transfer to UC Santa Barbara and eventually join the Peace Corps”.

“As well as Natalie, our team has a lot of weapons and good returners,” stated Coach Macias, like Goalkeeper Miranda Bakke who, recorded seven saves and three steals in the state championship game.

The Falcon women finished last season on a 22-game winning streak which, is a school record as well and won 26 of the last 27 games.

They will look to repeat the state title this upcoming season and will begin play Sept. 4 versus LA Valley at Cerritos College at 3 p.m.