“We practiced twice a day for the entire summer except for two weeks,” senior Josh Rapperport said. “I would describe us as improved on all levels after a hard summer training, and we know each other really well because of it.”

The team concluded its summer schedule with a high school club championship, a tournament for high schools that have summer programs.

“We went to a four-day trip down to Orange County, which was fun and challenging,” Rapperport said. That [tournament] and time made us grow closer as a team, and we improved a lot.”

Head coach Giovanni Napolitano also came away from the tournament feeling positive, as the Vikings beat Menlo Atherton High School, 9-6, for the first time in awhile.

Napolitano considers the team young and wants to focus on building a strong foundation for the upcoming years.

“Our team only has a few experienced guys,“ Napolitano said. “I’m trying to develop our future team.”

Nevertheless, most of the varsity squad comprises of returning members.

“We only lost one player last year, so we all know each other pretty well, and we know how to work together,” senior captain Lucas Fodor said. “Last year especially, we were mostly underclassmen and it [playing varsity] was a new experience for most. This year, they will be more used to the varsity game.”

With a new junior varsity coach, Napolitano has been able to focus more on his varsity team.

“We have a new JV coach: Sasha [Potulnytskyy], the bronze medalist in Atlanta and world champion with the Russian national team,” Napolitano said. “He allows me to focus on the varsity team.”

The team has matured since last season, according to Napolitano, who said his ultimate goal is qualifying for Central Coast Section.

“They are more confident, they are stronger, and they understand my plays better,” Napolitano said.

Fodor also has great expectations for the team.

“I think we have a lot of potential and can really go far this season,” Fodor said. “My goal is for us to win and grow as a team.”