On September 22, 2021, Ukiah High Schoo’s Varsity Boy’s Water Polo faced off against Cardinal Newman at the Ukiah High School Swimming complex. Ukiah won the game with the final score resulting in 30-10.
Total, Ukiah had 26 steals in total and 11 turnovers. Compared to previous matches, this ratio represents an improvement. The boys had a total of 15 extra chances to score which represents room for improvement.
Coach Nolan Decumen said the Cardinal Newman team has been struggling all year. The team’s record when compared to their last fall season where they won 26-6 games overall, they are 1-10 this season so far. Coach Decumen attributes this change of performance to the team’s youth.
One of the Ukiah varsity players, Diego Fernandez, says it was “one of our best games this season”.
Luke Schat, a Varsity player, says “ it felt good beating them after losing to them for so long. Felt good, felt right”
Coach Decumen said in the second half of the game, the Wildcats attempted some special plays such as the “wheel” and the “2-3-4 drop “, but the team needs to improve on them in the future.
Coach Nolan Decuman said the “Game went ok.” He said the “Boys did a good job pressing out to generate turnovers and took advantage of those turnovers”.
Max Shanahan, the Varsity goalie, got to play in the field during the fourth quarter and after scoring a goal Decuman says Shanahan let out the “ Loudest cheer I’ve heard all year.”
Ukiah High Student Teran Iowa Upchurch was in the crowd and said, “One of the most fun and exhilarating sports games I have ever watched. Can’t wait to see the water polo team play in the future!”
Owen Sangiacomo is a Junior at Ukiah High School who also attends a lot of Mendocino College Courses. Owen likes to play water polo, he works at the Summer Safari After School Program, and he is constantly learning new instruments. Owen aims to try to improved systems that are flawed and make our community a better place.
