BURBANK — Things are definitely looking up for the Burbank and Burroughs girls' water polo programs.
The teams are coming off fine seasons, and although there might be some new faces this year, both squads are hoping for more success this campaign.
Along with moving from the Almont League to the eight-team Pacific League — where four teams will make the postseason — the local programs will also likely benefit from a move from CIF Southern Section Division I to Division II.
Add that to a spike in participation with the programs and everything points to successful seasons for Burbank and Burroughs.
The only setback for the teams is they are dealing with the graduation of some of their top players from a year ago.
Here is a look at how the teams are shaping up:
BURBANK
The Bulldogs return to the pool after a 2005-06 season in which they placed second in the Almont League and had a 16-6 record.
Burbank nearly pulled off a huge upset in the first round of the Division I playoffs, as it fell to host Capistrano Valley, 11-10.
However, a few things have changed since last season. The team lost All-Area and all-league first-team player Melanie Khanpanyan (83 goals and 64 steals) to graduation, and the program has a new coach in Carlos Pelayo.
Pelayo knows his water polo. He was an All-American player at Crescenta Valley and also coached the Falcons.
"We're real excited about this season," said Pelayo, who scored 136 goals during his 1999-2000 senior season and helped the Falcons to the Division III title match. "There is some good talent on this team and they are ready to go."
Burbank does have a fine returning group in senior goalkeeper LaChee Singleton, senior utility player Ani Shirinian, junior driver Paula Moren and senior driver Jordan Meier.
Junior hole/set Katherine Lees is also expected to contribute.
"Going into a new league, we know it's going to be an uphill battle," Pelayo said. "There are some very good teams in this league. But I think we will be able to compete."
BURROUGHS
Indian Coach Carlos Ponce is ecstatic about the amount of interest his program is generating.
"We will probably have 45-50 girls in our program," he said. "The participation is great, and we are getting a lot of new players coming out for our program.
"I think our success last year and the fact that they are hearing we are going good things in the program, has players coming out more."
