UPDATE: Soquel High’s water polo teams achieved a remarkable sweep of the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League (SCCAL) titles, solidifying their dominance in the league. Earlier today, the boys’ team triumphed over defending champions Santa Cruz High, winning 15-10 in a thrilling match that showcased their skill and determination.
The Knights, ranked No. 3 in the Central Coast Section, delivered a spectacular performance led by senior Stryder Stelck, who netted four goals and provided two assists. Coach Ryan Chapatte emphasized the importance of this victory, stating, “This is nice, but we’re not done yet. Now, we’ll get ready for playoffs and I think that’s going to be another battle.”
In an intense rivalry, the Knights faced off against Santa Cruz for the first time in their SCCAL match-up this season, having previously secured a narrow 10-8 win in the Monterey Bay Invitational on October 11. Junior Gabriel Suarez-Abraham also stood out, scoring three goals and assisting four times. “It’s a really important win to show who we are as a team,” he remarked, underscoring the team’s aspirations for playoff success.
The girls’ team joined the celebration, annihilating Santa Cruz with a staggering 19-2 victory, marking their 15th consecutive league title. Junior Keira “Kiki” Burke led the charge with three goals, as the Knights demonstrated their prowess ahead of the upcoming playoffs. Coach Shelby White praised her team’s performance, stating, “I wanted us to play some really good water polo going into this weekend… the girls stepped up.”
The Knights’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with multiple players contributing to the scoreboard. During the boys’ match, the physical contest saw 12 player ejections, but Soquel maintained composure and managed to keep their lead. The Knights quickly established a commanding advantage after scoring five consecutive goals following Santa Cruz’s initial lead.
As the playoffs loom, Soquel’s performance positions them as a formidable contender. The boys’ next challenge will come against No. 9 Los Altos on Saturday at 11 a.m., while the girls prepare for the two-day NorCal Invitational starting on Friday at 12:05 p.m.
With both teams riding high on this exciting momentum, fans are eager to see how far they can advance in the postseason. The stakes are high, and Soquel’s water polo teams are ready to make their mark.
