Varsity water polo players say good bye to their home crowd and hello to playoffs

After the varsity men’s water polo team came out strong against Ponderosa (with the score then at 7-0) early in the game, DHS coach Tracy Stapleton decided to let some other players on his bench get some more experience. DHS ended up winning 16-4, with the DHS seniors especially happy to have a strong win for their last home game as Blue Devil water polo players.

This game stood out not only because it was the last home game of the season, but also because, “everybody got to play and it was a good representation of what our team is capable of,” senior Scott Perry said.

“The game [allowed] some of the reserves […] more playing time,” Stapleton said. “We have a big game tomorrow against Rio Americano […] The coach of Rio and I are friends, so it’s a great way for us to improve our teams and sharpen them up for playoffs,” Stapleton said.

The game against Rio Americano tomorrow is a way for the team to get ready for the section playoffs. The team thinks that they can do well in play offs, “We have a good chance to go far in the playoffs,” Paul Dailey said.

“We have our most important games in the season coming up, and I think we are ready for them,” Perry said confidently. According to Perry, “I am happy with the season so far.”

Dailey is happy with the team. “The team did very well considering it was mainly subs.” This game also gave chance for the main players to be well rested for the most important games of the season coming up, section playoffs.

Ponderosa’s defense was no match for the Devils’ rocket offense. Within the first minute and a half Dailey scored, leading to one of the 7 goals in the 7 minute periods.

Connor Stapleton had 3 goals, Tre Moynihan has 2 goals, Wade Allen and Dailey also had 1 goal in the first quarter, creating the early 7-0 lead.

“It has been a great experience being on the team for three years,” Said Perry. The seniors were happy that the last home game was one in which everybody could play in and one they did so well in.

According to Stapleton, the Devils have been successful. They hope to stay sharp and finish strong during the playoffs.
After the DHS men play Rio Americano Friday they will begin the first round of the CIF Section Playoffs in Modesto.