Water Polo continues to struggle as Nitros edge Tigers, 8-6

By Faye Witherall & Olivia Nouriani

Tiger Staff

South Pasadena High School’s varsity water polo team fell to the visiting Glendale Nitros 8-6  on Thursday in a non-league home match. The defeat drops the team’s preseason record to an abysmal 3-6.

Thursday’s game was close throughout, thanks to strong performances by senior goalkeeper Will Renken and senior captain Ryan Rodriguez, who lead the offense into battle.

Sophomore Vaughn Huelsman and Rodriguez rocketed in a goal each in the first quarter, and the team ended the period in a 2-2 tie. By the end of the half, however, Glendale had formed a formidable 6-2 lead.

The Nitros clung to their lead throughout the second half. In the final quarter, sophomore D.J. Myer managed a score, reducing the gap between the Tigers and the Nitros, but South Pas still unable to come back. In the end, the team couldn’t muster up a comeback, and fell 8-6.

The squad also suffered a loss on Monday at Ventura High School, 11- 6.

The Tigers’ 3-6 record is less than desirable at this point in the preseason. The team will need to step up their game on both offense and defense in order to get back into serious contention for the league crown.

The Tigers return to the pool Friday seeking a victory over Pasadena High School. South Pas has two more preseason games before league season begins on October 7th on the road against Monrovia.