Although the Boys’ Varsity Water Polo team hasn’t been able to match up to last season’s title, they were able to snag third place in League Finals against Burbank on Thursday, November 1. After beating Burbank 15-5 in the last match up, the Falcons felt more confident than ever in beating them once again. The Falcons and the Bulldogs played a close game with a final score of 5-4.

The game started off slowly as Burbank initiated the game with two goals. However, this didn’t deter the Falcons’ morale but rather increased their desire to win.

Despite Burbank’s tight grip on the ball during the first quarter, the tides changed as senior utility Mason Takidin scored CV’s first goal 36 seconds into the second half.

The Falcons used the playoffs as a motive to win the game. Takidin scored another goal at 5:50 creating a 2-2 tie and bringing back some of the confidence they lost several games ago. The Falcons were back in their usual mindset, prepared to claim third place. Following a shot by Burbank at 5:18, senior hole-set Bryan Redfern fiercely scored a goal at 3:11, resulting in another tie.

The Bulldogs’ aim was off that night as they lobbed many shots that ended up flying past or over the goal posts.

Ultimately, it was the Falcons’ strong defense that saved them the game.

The encouragement from friends and family in the stands also made an impact on the players as well as the game. Even at an away game, there was much Falcon support in the crowds as everyone cheered for each team member. A few girls from the Girls’ Varsity Water Polo team even hand made a huge sign and waved it around in the stands.

“We usually don’t have many people come out to away games other than some very dedicated parents,” said senior driver Mason Holland. “The support that we got from the crowd that night helped us focus on winning third place for CV.”

Early fourth quarter, CV quickly tailed any goal made by the Bulldogs. Takidin lobbed another goal at 2:23, putting the Falcons in the lead. With 26 seconds on the clock left, the Falcons made sure that Burbank didn’t score again, ending in a Falcon victory.

Although CV won and claimed third place, they were rather unsatisfied with how they played that night.

“I am happy that we won but I am disappointed with how we played. We need to return to the higher level of play we had mid season,” mentioned senior goalie Michael Rea.

“We made them look way better than they actually are by hesitating and not playing our normal game. We were disappointed but thankful for the win,” added Holland.

In CIF, the Falcons defeated the Santa Ana Saddlebacks 9-2, but were knocked out of the competition in the second round on Novermber 8. The Falcons lost to the Beverly Hills Normans 15-8, ending their season.

“We had some good moments this season and we decided to take more chances even though we ended up losing,” concluded Coach Jan Sakonju.