On Oct. 16, the Foothill Technology High School boys’ water polo team faced off against Malibu High School at one of their two home meets on the season. Competing in the familiar waters of the Ventura Aquatic Center, the Dragons were defeated by the Sharks for the second time this season with a score of 11-8.

Both Ian Canby ‘19 and Nikolai Haines ‘20 scored three goals apiece while Liam Murphy ‘19 and Ben Clinton ‘19 each scored one.

Foothill went into the match as the underdogs due to Malibu’s undefeated record and “versatility,” according to Haines. However, he stated that “in the past years Malibu would easily beat us but having a close game is a huge confidence builder.”

Despite the loss, the team viewed this game as “crucial to [their] development” because they “have confirmed that [they] can play at the level of skilled teams like Malibu,” according to Max Canby ‘20.

Additionally, Max Canby is “looking forward to the competitive games” that are approaching soon and “the time [they] have left as a team”.

Overall, Haines and Max Canby believe that if the team continues to put in the work at practice and play physical, they will be successful.

The boys’ water polo team will compete again at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 23 at the Ventura Aquatic Center against the Villanova Preparatory School Wildcats.