Boys’ water polo cruises past Monrovia to establish perfect 2-0 league record

By Nick Michael

Assoc. News Editor

Photos by Stephanie Kim

The boys’ varsity water polo team strongly outperformed the Monrovia Wildcats at home on Thursday, October 8, winning by a score of 18-6.

Coming into the game, the Tigers knew that Monrovia was a weak opponent. The Wildcats failed to win a single game in league play last season, finishing 0-8. South Pas was aware of this fact and many of the Tigers’ substitutes started the game.

The first quarter was relatively even. Monrovia scored the game’s first goal less than a minute in, but the Tigers swiftly replied with goals from junior Kinan Rodriguez and sophomore Jasper Lee. By the end of the first period, the two sides were deadlocked at four apiece. At the start of the second quarter, the rest of the Tigers’ starters came into the game, and immediately made a big impact. Defensively, South Pasadena was much more successful, as the team didn’t concede a goal in entire quarter. At halftime, the Tigers had built a 9-4 lead.

IMG_2441 copy

Both teams struggled to score in the third quarter. Junior Matthew Wright made a few key saves, keeping the Tiger lead intact. After over four minutes of goalless play, sophomore Gabe Davison finally managed to end the drought, extending the lead to 10-4. Heading into the fourth quarter, it seemed like the Tigers would ease up on their opponent, but that was not the case. It was in this final period that South Pasadena “released the kraken”. The Tiger offense continuously tore up Monrovia, shredding through the Wildcat defense with ease. Junior Spencer Gurley scored three goals within two minutes, and juniors Leo Sonner and DJ Myer contributed goals of their own. By the end of this onslaught, the Tigers held an 18-6 lead, which would end up as the game’s final score.

The team’s league record now stands at 2-0 with such a definitive win. The boys have won their last four games, and hope to continue this success in their next matchup, which will be on Saturday, October 10, away at San Marino.

IMG_2449 copy