Lady Wreckers capture Hopkins Invitational water polo tournament

The Staples girls water polo team won its first-ever tournament.

Staples won the Hopkins Invitational tournament with a 17-13 victory over Williston and an 11-10 triple-overtime triumph over host Hopkins.

Senior tri-captain Stephanie Nussbaum led the Lady Wreckers on offense for the entire tournament with seven goals, five against Williston. Sophomore Sarah Cooperman had six goals, four against Williston. Next for Staples was senior tri-captain Maddie Mafilios with five tallies, including a team-leading four against Hopkins. Juniors Gabby Wimer (four) and Emily Greene (three) were next and senior Margot Bruce, sophomore Molly Rubidge and freshman Sarah Banbury had one goal each.

Sophomore Emily Garber had 17 saves in both games combined and Bruce stopped eight shots in the two games. Bruce also stopped Hopkins at the end of regulation, which forced an overtime and gave the Lady Wreckers a chance to win.

Staples Assistant Coaches Brandon Barone and Brandon Arias ably filled in for Head Coach Mike Laux, who was out of town.