Despite a loss in CCS, the varsity boys’ water polo team finished the season strong, winning the league championship for the first time in six years.
The Vikings dominated throughout the season, remaining undefeated in league and 17-8 outside of league.
"No one thought we would get anywhere," junior Geng Wang said. "No one thought we would win league champs, no one thought we would even make it to CCS, let alone get such a high seeding. But we proved them all wrong."
Although the team lost to Serra High School in the first round of CCS playoffs, the 5-4 loss was much closer than the 13-6 loss to Serra earlier this season.
"Even though we lost to Serra, we all played our hardest and it was a good way to end the season," Wang said. "This time we only lost by one point in a very close game."
Senior Brian Huang said, "We played really well, but could have scored a couple shots that we really needed. Also the referees ? were calling everything against us. Scott Mielke and I both got kicked out of the game and Neil Ketchum was close. Coach Reid Particelli was pretty angry about that."
Overall, the team is satisfied with their league title and their successes this season. Many players agree that this season provided a chance for the whole team to shine rather than solely star players, giving more playtime and chances to score for team members.
"Our team played extremely well throughout the year and we got better as we grew to know each other," senior Paul Reamey said.
Huang said, "I thought this was the best season of water polo that I’ve ever played because we played as a team. Last year it was a three man game with Mike Sorgenfrei, Gregor Horstmeyer, and Eric Vallone. This year everyone got a chance to do stuff. I think that we might have actually done well against last year’s team because we have a solid defense."
Many players also improved individually compared to previous years.
"I think I played better than imagined I would at the beginning of the year," Reamey said.
Huang said, "I thought I did really well this year compared to other years because I got a chance to shoot and score more."
With the season over, the team looks forward to next year, despite losing senior starters, Reamey and Huang.
"It’ll be tough with the seniors gone," Wang said. "Huang pulled us out of many close games. The seniors will really be missed next year."
Discussing the league championships, junior Ben Afshar said, "Paul Reamey carried our team. He scored the most goals, nine total during the tournament."
Junior Cyril Gary said, "We’re definitely going to miss our lefty attack squad, but I think that with all of our starters improving so much, we’re gonna be straight balla."
Even though they are graduating, Huang and Reamey have confidence that the team will do well without them next season.
"I think they will do just fine because they will have Mark Higgins, Scott Mielke, and some of the JV move ups," Huang said. "I know they’re going to be training hard in the off-season. But they do loose two lefties [Huang and Reamey], which kind of sucks because they won’t have any next season."
Reamey said, "I think they will have a great chance at winning CCS next year. So it’s definitely a team to look out for."