In a thrilling nonleague showdown, Soquel High School’s boys water polo team secured a decisive 14-9 victory against Junipero Serra High School on Friday. This match featured two teams ranked in the top ten of the Central Coast Section, with Soquel holding the No. 3 spot and Serra at No. 10 according to maxpreps.com.
Senior standout Stryder Stelck led the Knights with an impressive performance, scoring six goals while contributing two assists and two steals. Fellow senior Tanner Connors added three goals, one assist, and two steals, showcasing the team’s offensive prowess. By halftime, Soquel had established a solid lead at 9-5, demonstrating their control throughout the game.
Junior Gabriel Suarez-Abraham played a significant role in the victory, netting two goals and providing two assists alongside two steals. The team’s defensive efforts were equally commendable, as they recorded a total of 17 steals. Junior goalie Rafael Suarez-Abraham made nine saves, ensuring that Serra’s attempts to close the gap were thwarted.
Looking ahead, Soquel will host the No. 7 Santa Cruz team on Wednesday at 19:30. This matchup is particularly significant, as both teams are at the top of the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League. Their previous encounter on October 11, 2023 saw the Knights edge out Santa Cruz with a narrow 10-8 victory, setting the stage for what promises to be another competitive clash.
In related sports news, the girls volleyball team from Harbor High School also made headlines, securing a 3-0 victory against Mercy (Burlingame) at the Harbor Tournament. Junior outside hitter Cecile Novembre was instrumental in the win, delivering 11 kills and five digs. Junior setter Gianna Fanara contributed significantly with 31 assists and two aces, helping the Pirates improve their overall record to 17-9.
The tournament continues with semifinal matches scheduled across various divisions. In the Gold Division, Scotts Valley is set to face Pacific Grove, while Harbor will host Santa Cruz. The action will unfold at both Harbor and Soquel High Schools, with matches slated to begin at 9:00 and 11:00 hours.
In flag football, Aptos High School triumphed over PCS with a score of 37-12. Senior Ella Porter shone in the game, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for two more. Freshman Elliah Correia made notable contributions with two touchdown receptions, further solidifying Aptos’s standing at 9-5-1 for the season.
Shifting to women’s volleyball, the No. 17 ranked Cabrillo Seahawks achieved their twelfth sweep of the season with a convincing 3-0 win against Gavilan. The Seahawks, boasting a record of 16-2, will next face Hartnell, looking to extend their winning streak.
These events reflect the vibrant competitive spirit across local schools and highlight the dedication of student-athletes in their respective sports. Coaches and teams are encouraged to report scores and highlights to [email protected] to ensure accurate coverage of this dynamic season.