Tokay’s Iturraran is the center of attention

Accomplishments: Nicole Iturraran used to play soccer.

But now the Tokay High girls water polo player, a junior center, has become one of the Tri-City Athletic League’s top offensive threats. In a league home game against Tracy, Iturraran scored six goals in the Tigers’ 11-4 win over the Bulldogs. That win and two more this week sets-up the huge cross-town rivalry showdown between Tokay (6-3 in the TCAL, 10-5) and Lodi (6-3 in the TCAL) for the league’s third and final playoff berth next Tuesday at the Tigers’ swimming pool.

Playing in the center of the pool that allows chances to take shots on goal, if not pass the ball back to the wing players, Iturraran took her shots that were spread out; two in the first, second and third periods.

“You just have to have the confidence, and you have to under-

stand when is the right moment to put the ball in the set and just put it away,” said Iturraran of her half-dozen goals.

Last year, Iturraran played in various spots in the pool before being placed into the center of attention in front of a goalie. A different role than what she’s use to playing in club water polo, where she occupies the attacker position.

“It’s a really fun position,” said Iturraran of the center position in the pool. “I put a lot of pressure on myself.”

Iturraran feels an increased role on this year’s Tokay squad. That is based on last year’s team that featured a lot of seniors who graduated last spring.

On top of that, Tokay has a new coach in Courtney Porter, who led the 2015 Lodi High boys

water polo team to a Sac-Joaquin Section Division I title. Porter, a social studies teacher at Tokay, took the 2016 season off from coaching before returning this season. As the season has progressed for the Tigers, their and Iturraran’s confidence has continued to become stronger.

“I really enjoy working with Mr. Porter,” Iturraran said. “Different coaches have different opinions on how to do things. I think it’s really important to listen to what he has to say, and put that into the game ... we’re really excited to work with Mr. Porter, to see what the season has to (offer). We want to go to the playoffs.”

Iturraran has been playing water polo for 10 years. She’s also played soccer, but wanted to stay with the aquatic sport.

“All of my siblings play,” said Iturraran, who has three brothers and one sister. “It’s always been in the family. I’ve always loved to swim.”

Iturraran plays water polo year-round that includes playing on a club squad.