The Poly boys water polo team has been quick to assert their dominance in the pool this season. Backed by multiple promising underclassmen and strong leadership from the seniors, the team is ranked 39th in California with a 7-2 overall record. After making it to CIF semifinals last year, the image of raising the CIF trophy motivates the team this year.

Senior captains side attacker Kaylx Lara and center defender Remick Techentin’s leadership in and out of the water establishes a focused vision for the season. In addition to talent, the leaders leverage their years of experience through technical feedback to other members. Junior goalie Nick Grossi reflected, “The seniors have taught me so much about water polo and niche techniques that improve my skill.”

With strong guidance from upperclassmen, the team’s freshmen have quickly adapted to varsity-level competition, offering energy, enthusiasm and young skill to the table. Lara is excited about the promising future these underclassmen bring to the team: “They’re talented and eager to learn, and I think as they get more comfortable with the team, they’re going to make a really positive impact.”

The depth of the lineup has proven to be a key factor in the team’s success this season. With two capable goalies, juniors Ajani Durham and Nick Grossi, Head Coach Mary “Missy” McCreary can switch between the two, providing them each crucial rest time, especially in big games. Exemplified by their joint performance and win on Aug. 25 against La Serena, Durham’s five saves in the first half together with Grossi’s finish to the game kept their opponents at one goal throughout the third quarter. Though defense played an important role in that game, the team needed offense to secure the Poly win. Junior attacker William Connolly stepped up, scoring 5 goals in the first half through multiple successful sequences with Lara.

On Sept. 8, the team played a heavily anticipated match against San Marino High School, who narrowly defeated Poly 12-10 last year. Despite a slow start, trailing 1-5 in the first quarter, Poly battled back, working hard for every goal. Eventually, Poly scraped together a win, beating San Marino 13-12. Lara reflected, “I’m so proud of how we reconciled and pulled ourselves together.”

Evident in their early victories, the Panthers have had an incredibly successful first half of the season. Through the continued development of both offensive and defensive players, the second half of their season looks even more promising than the first.