MARMONTE LEAGUE GIRLS` WATER POLO PREVIEW: ROYAL REIGN FOR THE GIRLS?

Byline: Heather Gripp Daily News Staff Writer

Once the exclusive domain of the boys, the physical sport of water polo comes to the Marmonte League this season as a girls' sport.

``Traditionally, it always was a male sport,'' said Newbury Park coach Steve Borg. ``But with women dominant in swimming, it was just a matter of time before it transitioned over.''

While some teams have played previously as independents or have players who competed on boys' teams, others are starting from scratch.

One of those fielding teams is Royal, which is hoping the dominance of its boys program, which has won 17 consecutive league titles, will carry over to its first-year girls' program. ``I think because of the history of Royal water polo, they're going to be the new kids on the block to keep our eyes on,'' Borg said.

Although it is the Highlanders' first season, many of their players have prior experience, including Jennifer Lilly, Amanda Hudson and Amy Bruininga, who previously played on the boys' team. ``We have a lot of skilled players on the team that have played water polo in the past,'' coach Rob Marten said. ``We're looking OK. We have quite a few strong players, but I don't have a lot to compare them to.''

The Royal water polo legacy is something Marten would rather not think about, though.

``Yeah, it would be great if we upheld that tradition,'' he said. ``But we have to look at it as two completely different teams, because that's what we are.''

Newbury Park will have even more experience to rely on. The Panthers are a second-year team that fared well last year and is looking for another dominant season. ``Our team is real strong,'' Borg said. ``Right now, we're looking good. We're very physical and we have very good defense.''

Sophomore Katy Frick and junior Ryanne Trinse return as the Panthers' ``main shooters,'' according to Borg, and junior goalkeeper Corey Palmieri will mind the net again. Alyson Blum, Devon Lang and Emily Johnston are expected to contribute to the ``outstanding defense and excellent drivers,'' Borg said.

Thousand Oaks, another second-year team with the advantage of experienced players, is also expected to be in the running for the inaugural Marmonte League title. ``They've always had a strong swimming program,'' Marten said.

Borg agreed the Lancers should provide stiff competition. ``They started coming on during the end of summer,'' Borg said.

Thousand Oaks, like Newbury Park, had players practice with Ventura College's coaches during the summer and also compete in summer leagues. ``It depends on how much they learned and bring back to their team,'' Borg said.