Best efforts shown at Boys Waterpolo CIF Playoffs

As excitement-invoking music pumped up the crowd, math teacher Todd Vollstedt introduced the players: “This is the LCC vs SDA boys waterpolo game.”

The CIF waterpolo playoff game kicked off yesterday on Halloween with a swift attempted shot by SDA, and a very quick counter by LCC within the first 30 seconds, which was blocked by senior goalie Dylan Herrera. The Mustangs were down by one, but a goal made by senior Evan Butler tied up the game. Senior Mattheus Gensler put the Mustangs ahead of Mavericks after another goal. As the first quarter ended, LCC attempted to make one last shot, however the ball bounced off the goal post. The first quarter ended – SDA two and LCC one.

Despite being down by one point, LCC did not hinder. Within two minutes of the second quarter and a tied score of three to three, the Mavericks made a goal. With swift retribution from junior Jude Irons, the Mustangs caught up quickly.

At halftime, players regrouped with their coaches as parents chattered among the bleachers. The SDA mascot threw candy into the crowd in the spirit of Halloween while music blared through the speakers.

The third quarter resulted in LCC taking a seven to six lead.

Suspense built as one minute remained in the last quarter, as SDA was three points behind. Senior Josh Hutton scored a crucial goal, followed by another from Irons—the Mustangs were only down by one point with five seconds remaining. LCC held the ball to run out the clock. Despite a full-fledged effort from the Mustangs to tie up the game, the Mavericks came out on top with a nine to eight win.