Varsity Boys Water Polo lost to Cupertino High School 11-6 on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Senior and utility player Eric Tang scored two goals within five minutes of the first quarter, bringing MVHS to an early lead. However, CHS responded by scoring six goals, bringing the score to 6-2 by the end of first quarter.
Due to an absent goalie, MVHS struggled with scoring after having a substitute. Both teams kept the scores relatively close in the following quarters, but MVHS was unable to regain their offensive momentum. Despite the loss, Tang says that the team adapted well and applied pressure to the opposing team.
“We’ve been trying to drive more, run more motion, pass the ball around and look for shots,” Tang said. “Today, our goalie is injured, so it was more about working around and just playing better defense.”
Senior and driver Owen Pow acknowledges the disadvantage MVHS had with their absent goalie but says he still kept a winning mindset, scoring a goal in the second and the fourth quarter. However, Pow says he was not satisfied with his performance, calling it a “low-scoring game” for him personally. Head Varsity Coach Lauren Tang says the team fell short on confidence when in possession of the ball.
“We get scared to shoot the ball and scared to move,” Lauren said. “We got stagnant. When you play scared like that, defense can capitalize and come over your head and take it from you.”
Pow agreed, saying that his focus on defense slowed the team’s scoring momentum. He says that the team could have improved by building offensive confidence, as well as passing and communicating more effectively.
“If players are driving in on us, we need to call for help,” Pow said. “It’s a team game, and we can’t play on our own.”
