Menlo varsity boys water polo played a close game against San Ramon Valley on Friday, Oct. 11, resulting in a 14-12 loss. According to senior Connor Enright, San Ramon Valley has been the Knight’s NorCal rival team for years. In the past, both the Knights and Wolves have been evenly matched and always resulted in a close game. When Enright was asked about what to expect from this game he responded saying “high energy” and he was right. According to Enright, the team expected the game to have the biggest turnout of the season so far as the game took place on homecoming night. 

Sophomore Gregory Hilderbrand shoots early in the first quarter of the game. Hilderbrand has been playing varsity water polo for two years. 

Senior Noah Housenbold looks for a goal-scoring opportunity in attempts to close up the Wolves’ lead. This is Housenbold’s fourth year on varsity water polo. In this game alone Housenbold scored two goals, drew four kick-outs, had three steals and two shot blocks. 

Members of Sea of Gold, Sam Weseloh and Declan Stanton lead the crowd in cheers. As mentioned by Enright, this game was predicted to have high enthusiasm and the largest crowd this season thus far. The crowd did not disappoint with a turnout of several grades including seniors Sydney Bianchi, Janina Troper, Kendall Weingart, and freshmen Montse Contreras and Malia Chavinson.

Senior Connor Enright passes the ball to teammate Chris Ponterio. Enright has been playing water polo since his freshman year. In this game, Enright had two goals, one block, and four assists. His performance on the Knight’s offensive was crucial in playmaking as he held the most assists for the game.

Senior Jack King shot blocks while goalie junior Zhayd Mahmoud prepares for a shot on goal. King has been playing on varsity for three years while this will be Mahmoud’s second. King drew one kick out this game and was a large contributor to the Knight’s defense. 

Junior Conor MacMitchell gets ready to shoot another goal in an effort to close up the score gap. MacMitchell has been playing on varsity since his freshman year. In this game alone, MacMitchell scored two goals, had one steal and drew three kick-outs.

As the game is almost tied up by the beginning of the fourth quarter, juniors and sophomores get loud in the bleachers to cheer on their classmates. 

Mahmoud gets his body high out of the water in order to save another shot attempt from San Ramon Valley. Mahmoud was crucial to keeping the Knights in the game with seven saves in the second half. 

Coach Jack Bowen talks with his team on the poolside during a time-out. Bowen has been coaching Menlo Waterpolo for around two decades.

Hilderbrand goes up for the closing shot of the game. While this game ended with a 14-12 loss, the team looks forward to a rematch next season.