On Oct. 26, the Aragon boys varsity water polo team (2-8) defeated the Hillsdale Knights (1-9) by a score of 14-9. Looking to improve its league record, Aragon entered the matchup determined to play their very best.
“It doesn’t really matter how good the team is,” said senior captain Kurt Nguyen. “I know that we’re all gonna go out and compete and try our hardest. The best result is knowing that you left everything in the pool.”
Aragon delivered, leading after the first quarter 5-1.
During the second quarter, the Knights fought to close the gap on the scoreboard, but the Dons stayed on top and the first half ended 8-3.
Senior Anthony Stewart started the third quarter with a lob shot right over the Knights goalie. Stewart’s goal gave the Dons another boost of momentum as they continued to build their lead. Despite Hillsdale’s efforts to close the scoring gap, Aragon continued putting pressure both offensively and defensively, ending the quarter with an 11-7 lead.
With only one quarter remaining, both the Dons and Knights pushed on defense and offense. Each side attempted to provide their team with higher numbers on the board while trying to prevent goals on the other. Both teams continued back and forth, keeping the stands at the edge of their seats. Aragon scored 3 more goals while Hillsdale only had two, securing an 14-9 victory for the Dons.
With the matchup taking place on Hillsdale’s senior night, the victory carried a greater significance for the Dons.
“I feel we played fantastic,” said senior Odin Le. “It was Hillsdale’s senior night, and we came to beat them on their senior night, and that’s what we did.”
After struggling against the Knights in previous years, the Dons were excited to finally come away with a win against their biggest rivals.
“It feels amazing because in my last two years we lost to Hillsdale, and now that we took it back it feels amazing,” said junior Kieran Moorhead.
On Oct. 28, the Dons closed their season with a 20-7 loss at Sequoia High School, ending with a final record of 2-8.
