The Bainbridge boys water polo team returns a senior-laden team this year, led by co-captains Sam Pollock, Bjorn Ostling and Michael Kilbane.

The season begins tonight with a 7 p.m. game against Newport at the Edgebrook Club Pool near Factoria, where most league games are played.

The first home game will be played tomorrow at Ray Williamson Pool, when traditional power Bellevue come to Bainbridge for a 3 p.m. game.

Head coach Forrest Wells and assistant Kristin Swanson, both of whom are Teamray alumni with college water polo resumes, have now had a year to install their system and work on off-season conditioning. The sport has a tradition at Bainbridge that includes state championships and a regular presence at the state tournament.

Boys on this year’s varsity and junior varsity squads began training for the season in August with a three-day preseason camp at Lake Cushman near the Hood Canal. The event consisted of coaching clinics, competitive events and a general bonding experience for players and coaches.

The season will culminate with the state tournament at King County Aquatic Center in early November.

With only three underclassmen – juniors Quinn Cullen and Beau Donnan, and sophomore Grant Dunaway – on this year’s varsity team, the coaches are actively recruiting for next year’s varsity and JV teams.

The schedule is still a work in progress with home games expected to be added for both teams.