On September 29, 2021, Ukiah High School’s Water Polo teams faced off against Vintage High School Water Polo. Ukiah’s Varsity team played great but lost 11-15. The Boys JV team played an exhilarating game coming out on top at 9-8.
This reporter was on the scene during the game. Vintage High School played smart on both offense and defense. They were defending the right people at the right time, constantly keeping focus for good opportunities to push on offense and make great plays.
Diego Fernandez, a Ukiah Varsity water polo player said, “ They did great on defense and we did not do enough on offense.”
Luke Schat, Ukiah Varsity player stated, “We played well, they played smart.”
Zac Koball played an outstanding game making three goals and trying his hardest throughout the whole game. He said the game was “definitely a struggle. A lot of the varsity team was sick and it was definitely a winnable game. I played great during the game, so I felt good about my performance.”
The Boys JV game was technically a scrimmage game, but the crowds were wild and the players played their best. The game started out with Ukiah having a 6-0 lead, but in the last quarter, Napa made a comeback at 8-8. Only in the last 30 seconds of the game, Ukiah scored winning 9-8.
Braden Land, JV goalkeeper played an outstanding game blocking shots left and right. He said, “It was definitely my most exciting game yet, towards the end a lot of people have gathered up and it got intense.”
If you’re interested in seeing Ukiah Boys Water Polo in action, they’ll be competing against American Canyon High School on this Saturday, October 23 at 11:00 a.m.
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.
