In a water polo double header against district rival Gunn High School Titans (3-1, 2-0), the Palo Alto High School girls’ water polo team (4-5, 1-1) lost by a score of 5-2 yesterday at Gunn.

Despite the loss, the Vikings developed strengthened team chemistry and gained game experience, according to junior Sabrina Hall.

Hall scored in the second quarter from about 15 yards out from the goal, shooting it past the Gunn goalkeeper into the back of the net.

“We definitely learned throughout the game and our defense and offense got stronger,” Hall said. “ We learned how to play as a team and although we lost, this overall experience was very rewarding.”

Junior field player Talia Stanley also noted the positive aspects of the game.

“I think we played very well as a team,” Stanley said. “We had a game plan going in and I think we stuck to it pretty well.”

Stanley scored Paly’s second and final goal in the third quarter, flinging the ball into the net from a close distance.

Goalkeeper Joanna Falla also had a strong performance, saving multiple shots throughout the game, including a penalty shot taken by a Gunn field player late in the second half.

Falla used an interesting tactic to get in the shooter’s mind.

“I really like to smile at the player during penalties,” she said. “It intimidates them and they don’t like looking me in the eye. I just like having a positive attitude about everything.”

The Vikings are excited for their next game against cross-town rival Gunn and plan to work hard during practice to improve upon their flaws, according to Hall.

“At the end there were a couple of sloppy passes that led to turnovers,” Hall said. “I think if we just work on maintaining stamina in the water then everyone can make those passes.”

Paly’s next home match is at 6:45 p.m. against Mountain View High School, Tuesday at Gunn.