The SHP Boys Varsity Water Polo team finished off a dominant week on September 20th, with a total of four wins and a new national ranking. They opened their week with a clear win against Junipero Serra High School and then exceeded expectations at the prestigious South Coast Tournament. The Gators, now ranked No. 2 by MaxPreps, are coming back as strong as ever.
As a final tune-up after traveling, the Gators played the Junipero Serra High School Cavaliers. SHP offense found success early, and never let up. They ended the game with a decisive score of 15-5. Precise shooting, paired with airtight defense and a strong presence in goal allowed Sacred Heart to control the pace, and gave the team a good boost of momentum for the tournament the next day.
In the Opening round, the Gators showed out, taking two wins. They beat Alta Loma 13-6, before taking down Loyola by 5 goals. These back to back victories can be attributed to the intense conditioning that prepares them for hours of gameplay.
The momentum of their previous win carried through to Friday. When matched up against a familiar Northern California rival, Miramonte, the Gators scored thirteen goals, winning the game by four. Even facing a long-time rival, the team was unbothered, and put the rivalry to rest with disciplined execution.
Going into Saturday, the Gators had secured a top four finish, and were slated to face the No. 1 ranked Newport Harbor Waterpolo Team. Although SHP kept pace for the first 3 quarters, the Sailors found a late burst of energy to pull ahead and win by five goals.
Later that afternoon, the team played for third place against Oaks Christian High School. In a high scoring showdown, SHP found early momentum. Gates Gamble ‘27 scored four goals in the first half. Clay Carrington ‘26 also put 5 goals on the board, but unfortunately, the nine saves by Oaks Chrisitan’s Ryder Bjork prevented Sacred Heart from a comeback late in the game.
Despite two losses to end the weekend, the Gators took crucial wins that raised their national ranking and had a dominant showing against JSerra. The team now turns to the heart of the season, where they will hope to continue to dominate at the North-South Tournament, Elite 8, and into the post-season games.
