Tension and excitement grew as parents, alumni and students gathered to watch Birmingham Community Charter High School’s (BCCHS) girls water polo team play against Palisades Charter High School (PCHS) for the CIF Los Angeles City Section Championship at Los Angeles Valley College on Feb. 14.

The team previously defeated West Adams Preparatory High School with a score of 21-0, Eagle Rock High School with a score of 12-7 and El Camino Real Charter High School with a score of 13-4 to reach finals.

“We practiced every day and worked on drills, communication and learning how to be a team in practice,” sophomore driver Petra Vass said. “I was nervous but excited.”

The PCHS Palisades Dolphins held a three-goal lead entering the second half of the game including a goal from sophomore driver Amelia Sanchez to bring the hope of a comeback. However, bad calls coming from the referees created anger and distress in the water pulling back the Lady Patriots from attaining the lead.

Dreams of winning the championship final washed away as the final buzzer went off resulting with the Palisades Dolphins beating the BCCHS Patriots 13-8.

“I felt sad knowing the girls put their all into this game,” Vass said. “Overall it was a good experience to even go to the championships.”

Although the BCCHS Patriots lost, returning to city finals was an achievement itself as the team hasn’t reached city finals since winning the 2016 championship final. They will be playing in the state tournament next week.

As the season comes to an end, Vass hopes to improve her playstyle to help bring the BCCHS Patriots back to city finals next season.

“We can work on our plays and shooting the ball without hesitation,” Vass said. “I need to up my game for next season, like shooting the ball when I should.”