2nd-Half Offense Propels Polo in Playoffs

Claire Mueller, Staff Writer

Varsity boys water polo won their NCS playoff 1st-round game, 29-2, against California High School on Wednesday, November 3. The Cougars were 21-5 in the regular season before starting their post season push.

There was a lot of great ball handling in the game, especially by juniors Nick Schroeder and Aiden Jacuzzi, who had a total of 6 points between them. “We were really excited for our first game because we obviously have a really good team this year, and we wanted to start off strong and get a win,” said Schroeder.

Campolindo won the sprint at the beginning of every quarter, allowing them to dominate possession.

“We were more focused on tactics more than motivations for this game than any other game, I think,” added Schroeder. “Coach told us what to do specifically to win, and that kind of fired us up.”

After a 6 point offensive showing in the first half, the Cougars scored 15 points in the 2nd half while holding California to just 1.

Jacuzzi and sophomore Garrett Dunn led the 2nd half offensive explosion.

In the fourth quarter, junior Tommy Hawkins converted on a penalty shot as teammates and fans cheered, adding to the lopsided advantage.

Goal keeper Ben Miller held the ball as time expired to close out Campolindo’s 1st win of the 2016 NCS playoffs.