By Nick Michael
Assoc. News Editor
Photo by Stephanie Kim
The varsity boys’ water polo team picked up a win in their last game of non-league play, beating the El Rancho Dons by a score of 15-8.
For the second game in a row, the Tigers got off on the wrong foot, as El Rancho scored the first goal of the contest. However, South Pasadena quickly got back on track, scoring four straight goals within the next three minutes. By the end of one quarter of play, the Tigers held a 5-2 lead.
In the second period, South Pasadena broke out with a string of three unanswered goals from juniors Cameron Benitez and Vaughn Huelsman. The Tiger defense did a solid job of keeping El Rancho at bay, despite the many fouls that were being called. At halftime, South Pasadena lead had swelled to 9-3.
The third quarter was dominated by defense, with neither team having much success on the offensive end. Junior Robert Decker made a few nice saves, keeping the Tiger lead from shrinking. Eventually, junior Spencer Gurley and Huelsman were able to put shots past the El Rancho keeper.
Heading into the fourth quarter, the Tigers held an 11-4 lead. But El Rancho hadn’t given up yet. The Dons scored two goals to kick off the final period, cutting the lead to five. However, South Pasadena bounced back with three straight goals, and proceeded to put the game away with a final score of 15-8.
This final victory solidifies the team’s non-league record at 9-3. The boys hope to continue this impressive run of success into league play, which begins on Tuesday, October 6, at home against Temple City High School.
