BREAKING: Soquel High’s boys water polo team faced a heartbreaking loss against defending champions Sacred Heart Prep (SHP) in the Central Coast Section playoffs, falling 10-7 in the Open Division semifinals on October 26, 2023, at Gilroy High.
The No. 5 seeded Knights led at halftime, 6-5, showcasing a fierce determination against the 17-time section champions. However, the Gators rallied in the second half, scoring five goals while limiting Soquel to just one, sealing their victory.
Knights coach Ryan Chapatte expressed pride in his team’s performance, stating, “Losing sucks, but I think we can take some positives away from tonight’s game.” He highlighted the Knights’ mindset and execution, which allowed them to take the lead initially against a powerhouse like SHP.
Soquel’s junior goalie, Rafael Suarez-Abraham, made critical saves throughout the match, particularly in the first half. Sam Robertson was a standout player, scoring three goals before halftime, contributing to the Knights’ competitive edge.
Despite their valiant effort, foul trouble hampered Soquel’s performance in the second half. Chapatte noted, “They were able to capitalize on their extra-man opportunities and our offense went stagnant,” leading to SHP’s decisive comeback.
Sacred Heart Prep, now boasting a record of 19-6, will face No. 2 seed Menlo (21-7) for the Open title on October 28, 2023, at 4:05 PM. Menlo advanced after a narrow 8-7 victory over No. 6 Saint Francis of Mountain View in the other semifinal.
This marks a historic moment for Soquel, which has qualified for the CIF NorCal Regional playoffs following their semifinal appearance. The Knights will find out their division placement, seed, and first-round opponent on October 29, 2023, with the first round set to begin on October 31, 2023, at 5 PM.
Despite the loss, Soquel’s journey in the playoffs has been remarkable, becoming the first team from Santa Cruz County to win in the Open Division, edging out No. 4 Los Gatos with a score of 12-11 in the quarterfinals.
As they prepare for the NorCal Regionals, the Knights look to build on their momentum and continue their impressive season.
