Story by Rafa Estolano-Sridharan
Staff Writer
Photos by Kaitlyn Lee
Staff Photographer
Boys’ water polo defeated the Calabasas Coyotes in the second round of the CIF Southern Section Division IV playoffs on Friday, Nov. 11. The Tigers took the lead in the first quarter and fought hard to maintain it through the end of the game, eventually winning 13-10.
South Pasadena started the quarter strong with a quick goal from senior Kenta Fernandes making the score 1-0. After the goal, Calabasas took possession, but failed to break through South Pasadena’s strong defense. This was soon followed by another goal from senior Jackson Wingard, putting the score at 2-0.
Calabasas took possession and tried to score multiple times, but they were no match for South Pasadena’s strong defense. With barely a minute remaining in the first quarter, Wingard took the ball and passed it to Fernandes, who made another goal to keep South Pasadena ahead at 3-0.
Determined to come back from a weak first quarter, Calabasas made the first goal of the second quarter, bringing the score to 3-1. This was quickly followed by a goal from senior Theo Hilger, which put the score at 4-1. The goal was followed by multiple missed goals from the Coyotes then another goal from Wingard, widening the gap to 5-1 in South Pasadena’s favor.
After some strong attempts at the goal from the Tigers, Calabasas managed to make their second goal of the game with just six seconds remaining in the quarter. This made the score 5-2.
South Pasadena came into the third quarter strong with a goal from senior Nathan Greene giving South Pasadena a four-point lead at 6-2. This was followed by a goal from Calabasas, upping the score to 6-3.
After a pass from Hilger, Fernandes made his third goal of the game putting the score at 7-3. Calabasas took possession and made a goal, which was followed by two more goals from Hilger, making the score 9-4. After back-to-back goals from the Tigers, Calabasas managed to squeeze out another goal, bringing the score to 9-5. The quarter was finished with a goal from Wingard then another from Calabasas, making the score 10-6.
The Tigers entered the final quarter needing to maintain their four-point lead against Calabasas. Fernandes swiftly scored two goals, bringing the score to 12-6. The goals were followed by yet another goal from Fernandes, making the score 13-6.
Determined to bridge the gap, Calabasas made two consecutive goals putting the score at 13-8. After much back-and-forth, Calabasas made another goal, bringing the Coyotes closer to South Pasadena at 13-9. They made one final goal, but it was not enough to beat the Tigers, who won the game 13-10.
“The whole team is in good spirits. We’re all very happy about this. You know, we’ve had a great season, probably our best season in the last four years. And you know, we did great in league and I know we’re gonna do great in CIF,” senior Samuel Whitman said.
The win over Calabasas qualified South Pasadena for the Division IV Quarter Final. South Pasadena’s next game will be at home against Brentwood on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 5 p.m.
