SONY DSC
Credit: Victoria Santana
Despite challenges during the preseason, the varsity boys water polo team (5-3 overall)* won their first home game against Carlmont (0-3 overall)* on Sept. 20 at 4 p.m., with a final score of 14-5.
The Dons got control of the ball and started strong with a goal from senior hole set Evan Molloy. However, they were not in the lead for long. Carlmont scored a goal, evening up the score at 1-1.
1-1 was the closest score of the game. It did not take long for Aragon to settle in, scoring three more goals and holding the Scots at 1 for the remainder of the first quarter.
The second quarter was no different, with the Dons outscoring Carlmont 5-1. Senior co-captain and wing Xavier McKenzie scored a goal three minutes into the quarter, with the help of a pass from junior hole set Olin Gawel. McKenzie was responsible for five of the nine goals the Dons scored in the first half.
“A huge benefit [is that] … we have a lot of … returning players”
Spirits were high as the Dons entered halftime with a 9-2 lead. However, head coach Carly Demarchena did not let the score distract her team from continuing to focus on improving.
“[During halftime] we talked about converting on six on five,” McKenzie said. “We didn’t do very well going into the third [quarter], but in the fourth [quarter], we really started to pick things up.”
Although the Dons did not score as much in the third quarter as they did in the second, Aragon’s defense was strong as junior goalkeeper Noah Dulac blocked shot after shot, giving up only one goal. The quarter ended with the Dons leading 12-3.
The Dons controlled the ball for the majority of the fourth quarter. Senior wing Andrew Vattuone scored with four minutes left, followed by Molloy with 30 seconds left on the clock. After four exciting quarters, the Dons came out on top, beating Carlmont 14-5.
“We’ve had a lot of close matches lately so it feels really good to be able to take control of the game,” Demarchena said. “[We] … have a lot of … returning players [who] have a lot of experience … compared to other teams that maybe are half and half.”
In preparation for the Carlmont game, the Dons had to overcome several challenges. They lost their preseason game against Lick-Wilmerding on Sept. 2 and faced struggles with missing players and adapting to roster changes.
“COVID-19 [was] a challenge for us,” Demarchena said. “I think we could have beat them had everyone been healthy. Having graduated a few seniors, figuring out where everyone plays and incorporating some of our juniors into the team [has been difficult].”
With important players initially missing practices and scrimmages due to COVID, the team had to practice as much as possible and take extra precautions to make sure everyone stays healthy. Molloy missed some preseason games due to a cold.
“We’re always hanging out together and obviously you can’t wear a mask in the water,” Molloy said. “[Water polo] is a close contact sport, so sickness definitely spreads a lot faster than some other sports. It’s a courtesy that if you’re sick, you don’t come to practice because we don’t want to risk the whole team getting sick.”
Despite these initial struggles, the Dons hope to build on their win to reach Central Coast Section Championships again, improving upon their success from last year.
The Dons’ next home game is against Carlmont on Oct. 6 at 5 p.m.
*Records as of Sept. 26
