Hapoel Emek HaYarden and Kiryat Tivon Lead Women's Water Polo League

Hapoel Emek HaYarden and Hapoel Kiryat Tivon both secured their second consecutive victories in the women's water polo league. In a key match of the second round, Emek HaYarden defeated the Wingate Academy 15-13. Mika Koren was outstanding for Emek HaYarden, scoring 8 goals, with Sol Sahar and Vlada Barbikina adding two each. Gili Roitman led the Academy with 5 goals.

The Wingate Academy recently welcomed its new coach, Marko Ćurić from Serbia, who will also work with Israel's youth water polo teams. Ćurić arrived in Israel on Friday and went directly to the Wingate Institute, where he joined coaches Ido Binkovich and Noam Rogov.

Kiryat Tivon's 18-9 victory over ASA Tel Aviv was doubly significant. It marked their second straight league win, placing them atop the league standings. Additionally, the club celebrated its 70th anniversary with a large event attended by dozens of children, parents, coaches, and referees, continuing the team's positive momentum. "It was a very festive week for us," said team coach Moshe Moshkovitz. "We have a very balanced, disciplined team, with developing young players alongside experienced seniors. The atmosphere was electric, with all the club's children around the pool, a crowd not seen for years at a senior women's home game. It's truly great fun." Livi Gur Koren stood out for Kiryat Tivon with 5 goals, and Tamara Salmon-Michaeli added 4. Maya Katzir (3), Yahli Rokach, and Esther Dahan (2 each) scored for ASA Tel Aviv.

In the round's third game, Maccabi Haifa easily defeated Giv'at Haim 21-4 away. This was Haifa's first league game of the season. Hapoel Yokneam, the league's double winner, had a bye week. Tehal Levi (6 goals) and Shakal Levi (4 goals) led Haifa's scorers, while Tamar Orchan scored twice for Giv'at Haim. Yokneam's team had a free week in this round. Next week, the top men's league will play its second round, while the women's league will have another bye week.