Story by Harriet Godson
Staff Writer
Boys’ water polo crushed the Monrovia Wildcats on October 16, 2025, in a formidable 18-8 victory.
Monrovia started with the ball, but the Tigers were quick to recover and gain possession. They immediately began firing shots at the Monrovia keeper, who deflected shots but failed to block junior Ethan Cheng’s, which flew into the net. The Tigers were back on attack, with senior Sven Leu scoring within a minute of the first goal, bringing the score to 2-0.
Monrovia brought the ball up the pool, passing it for an open shot into the net past the keeper’s outstretched hand. The crowd, mainly filled with emerald colored clothing, erupted in applause. After a foul from Monrovia, the Tigers received a free throw that bounced off the side of the goal. This goal brought the score to 5-2 with the Tigers leading.
Shortly after the second quarter began, the ball went underwater, granting Monrovia a free throw, where they notched another point. The ball was back on Monrovia’s side, with Tigers in possession. The Monrovia keeper blocked two consecutive shots until senior Daniel Butler seized the rebound and launched the ball into the net.
The Tigers’ defense held off Monrovia and continued to make offensive plays. They connected a string of passes and fakes, bringing the ball up to the pool where senior Henry McKeon shot, only to have it deflected by the goalie. However, he quickly grabbed the rebound and scored, bringing the score up to 9-4. Both teams continued to put up a fight until the buzzer signaled the end of the third quarter.
The Tigers played aggressively on defense. This elicited outcry from the Monrovia supporters, who began arguing with the referee.
As the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter, the crowd grew increasingly angsty. Insults were thrown at the referee, who remained calm and ignored the parents’ jeers. Both teams played aggressively and made bold plays within the last quarter. After an aggressive game, the Tigers pulled away, winning 18-8.
SPHS Pep later attended the senior night game on Tuesday, October 21, at 5 pm.