On the overcast afternoon of Sept. 26, 2024, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys water polo team made waves against Villanova Preparatory School (Villanova) at the Ventura Aquatic Center. The Dragons further improved on their season’s record, crushing their opposition with a final score of 9-5.
In the opening minutes of the first quarter, the Dragons pressured Villanova’s goal and created space for Foothill Tech’s, Aiden Cummings ’25 to take a risky shot from the back right of the pool. Cummings was successful and secured the first point of the game putting the score at 1-0 midway through the first quarter. The quarter ended with no more points exchanged, and Foothill Tech still leading.
The subsequent quarter to follow had Villanova starting with the ball hoping to make up some ground. However, Jayden Wallace ‘25 seized an opportunity to advance the team’s lead and fought through Villanova’s defense, taking an impressive shot and scoring for the Dragons. This gave Foothill Tech a 2-0 lead.
Turner Stehle ‘25 expressed his feelings regarding his personal performance as well as how the team performed collectively stating, “Individually it wasn’t the best game, I’ve had much better performances … The team was keeping a clear mind and making solid passes.”
The second quarter would draw to a close with a score of 2-0 as Foothill Tech continued on with their strong lead demonstrating their offensive and defensive abilities in the pool. However, the tides changed for Foothill Tech entering into the third quarter as several lapses in the Dragon’s defense created space for Villanova to score four points throughout the quarter, while also refusing to let Foothill touch the ball. This control over the ball by Villanova brought the game to 2-4 with an impressive comeback by Villanova.
Entering the fourth quarter, tensions ran high as Foothill Tech knew they needed to take control of the game fast to secure the lead. Foothill Tech won the ball early on in the quarter and with a desire to reclaim their position over the Wildcats, Foothill Tech took control of the game scoring seven times in the last quarter. The Dragons kept their defensive presence strong as well, holding Villanova to only one goal in the final quarter closing out the game with a final score of 9-5.
With this win under their belt, the Dragons look ahead to their next game on Oct. 1, 2024, against Cate School (Cate).
