Last weekend, women's water polo co-captain Elizabeth Balassone '07 led Brown to six straight wins in the season-opening Ivy tournament at the Smith Swim Center. She scored a team-high 16 goals and was named to the Ivy Tournament First Team for her effort. In 2006, Balassone rang up 43 goals, good for second on the team, and helped the team to a sixth-place finish at the Eastern Championships.
Herald: Brown's closest margin of victory this weekend was a 10-8 triumph over Wagner. The other five wins were by a combined 66 goals. How significant are these wins to start the year?
Balassone: This tournament was a success, and we always love beating Harvard, especially by almost triple the score (11-4). This fast start definitely puts us in a position to make a run for the Eastern Championships. This tournament was a good marker of how hard we've been working. We're all really happy to see the fruits of our labor, regardless of our expectations. But nothing really counts until the last few games.
How did you hear about the Smith Swim Center closing?
Our coaches told us during a team meeting before practice on Tuesday. They have had several engineers and architects looking at it, so we never felt that we were in any danger.
Where will you practice?
Most likely, we will be practicing locally in Providence and Boston, probably at Harvard and (the Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Everything is still in question, and we're still not sure.
How does it feel to have the Swim Center close after such a strong start?
It doesn't change much for us. I think it strengthens our resolve to work harder. We will make sure that we are efficient, no matter the schedule. We must keep our focus because our goals haven't changed.
How does it feel to be named to the All-Ivy Tournament team?
To be honest, I'm not quite sure what it stands for, but it was nice that our freshman goalie Stephanie Laing ('10) got first-team honors, and field player Sarah Glick ('10) made the third team.
How does the team feel about having a freshman goalie?
We had a retuning goalie, Anne Deggelman ('08), but she took a leave of absence. We have definitely been missing her, but at same time, there is no doubt that Stephanie has stepped up to plate. There is a lot of pressure as a freshman starting goalie, but she's been playing very well. She had a great tournament, and we are expecting even greater things from her in the future. We are ecstatic to have her on the team.
What relationship do the men's and women's water polo teams have, especially since you play in different seasons?
Both teams try to go to each other's games. A few guys have come out to scrimmage with us to help us get ready for our season. We try to be just as supportive to them.
Who is Brown's biggest water polo rival?
I would say the three teams that we are particularly gunning for are Hartwick (College), Princeton and (the University of) Michigan. All three teams are always tough, and we have always played extremely close games with them.
Did you enjoy growing up in Northern California near Stanford University?
I actually practiced with the Stanford water polo club team while I was in high school. By sophomore year, I was playing against girls on the varsity Stanford team, but it was tough. There is nothing like getting your butt kicked by college girls when you are in high school. They make you work a lot harder.
Are you a San Francisco Giants fan?
Sort of. I've always been a little bit of a Giants fan at heart, but I'm not a die-hard by any sense of the word.
Do you root for the Los Angeles Lakers or Clippers?
I root for the hot basketball players.
What do you enjoy most about water polo?
The best thing about water polo at Brown is my teammates. My three fellow seniors (Paige Lansing '07, Caitlin Fahey '07 and Claire Angyal '07) are some of my best friends at Brown. Water polo is enjoyable because I look forward to spending time with them and the rest of the team.
Do you have any nicknames?
I'm Gumba No. 2. It's an Italian name for someone special in the family. My dad uses it, partially because I'm special and partially because my dad can't remember my name.
How would you describe yourself?
I'm pretty shy, but I think that doesn't show when I'm with my team. We are constantly cracking each other up, especially because the freshmen have a whole new set of antics on the pool deck.
How does shyness affect your play?
Once I get in the pool, especially at my position at two-meter offense, I have to wrestle and fight for position all the time. Shyness is not rewarded and usually gives way to my competitiveness.
