Carlmont’s JV boys water polo team had a challenging end of the season, losing to the Hillsdale Knights 15-9.
During the first quarter, Carlmont pushed through, tying Hillsdale. However, nearing half, a slowdown of movement and missed opportunities led the Scots to fall behind in both the second and third quarters.
During the match’s final moments, Carlmont made last efforts to switch the tide, but Hillsdale’s lead was too substantial.
“First half we played so well, but second half we just got tired,” said captain Keegan Sullivan. “We had them in the first half but couldn’t keep up during the end.”
The Knights have been a strong team this season, beating Carlmont last month in a nearly identical game of early points and pushing on Carlmont’s lack of endurance near the end of the game.
The team has had a rough season; between a changing squad and persistent injuries, the team has fallen behind in past years. Nonetheless, the team looks forward to the future, hoping for the next season through progression from prior mistakes.
“This season was more of a challenge. It was a bigger challenge than last season, and next season, I hope to progress on the mistakes that we learned,” said coach Adam Dean.
Former player Nate Dempsey described the players as determined but unlucky, a trend emphasized by much of the team throughout the season and a show of possible future improvements.
This season was more of a challenge. It was a bigger challenge than last season, and next season, I hope to progress on the mistakes that we learned.
— Adam Dean
“I have high hopes for next season. We faced problems since the start, but hopefully, we can learn for the future,” said freshman Wylan Tsang.
The strain between both teams was evident throughout the match, and the Scots’ effort was displayed through the charges into Knight’s defense, even while morale was low.
Within this season, Carlmont has yet to achieve past levels of domination against Hillsdale and has held a tense rivalry between both teams. The tension between both adds to the future matchups of next season and the improvements the Scots are working toward.
As the Scots prepare for the next season, the team is committed to working towards endurance challenges that limited the team across the fall period. With the determined mindset of the players and learned lessons, they’re committed to a decisive future season.
“Next season, we’ll be ready,” Tsang said.
