Soquel High Water Polo Teams Secure SCCAL Titles in Dominant Wins

BREAKING: Soquel High’s water polo teams have achieved a remarkable sweep of the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League (SCCAL) titles, showcasing their dominance in thrilling matches on October 11, 2023. The boys’ team defeated the defending champions, Santa Cruz High, with a decisive score of 15-10 while the girls’ team crushed Santa Cruz 19-2, solidifying their legacy as top contenders.

In the boys’ match, senior Stryder Stelck led the Knights with four goals and two assists, helping Soquel finish the season with a perfect league record of 4-0. This victory not only secures their place at the top but also sets the stage for a challenging playoff season ahead. Head coach Ryan Chapatte expressed confidence in his team’s ability to continue their success, stating,

“This is nice, but we’re not done yet.”

The Knights’ intense rivalry with Santa Cruz was palpable, as they previously faced off just weeks earlier in a close 10-8 match at the Monterey Bay Invitational. Soquel’s victory in this latest encounter emphasizes their readiness for the upcoming SCCAL Tournament championship, which is expected to be another fierce battle.

Junior Gabriel Suarez-Abraham echoed the sentiment of his coach, stating,

“It’s a really important win to show who we are as a team.”

The victory is a testament to their hard work and determination, with multiple players contributing to the scoreboard. Alongside Stelck, teammates Tanner Connors added three goals, while juniors Cane Mitchell and Jax Nolan each contributed crucial scores.

In the girls’ competition, Soquel High’s dominance was on full display as they dismantled Santa Cruz with an impressive 19-2 victory, marking their 15th consecutive league title. Junior Keira “Kiki” Burke shone brightly, leading the Knights with three goals and demonstrating the powerful teamwork that has defined their season. Coach Shelby White praised her team’s performance, highlighting their focus as they prepare for playoffs:

“We want to make sure we’re playing our best game.”

The Knights’ offensive strategy was effective, with ten players contributing scores, showcasing their depth and teamwork. With this victory, they are poised for further success as they head into the NorCal Invitational this weekend.

Both teams’ successes reflect not only their skill and determination but also the enthusiastic support of the Soquel community. As they prepare for playoffs, all eyes will be on Soquel High to see if they can continue their winning streak and capture titles on a larger scale.

Stay tuned for updates on their upcoming matches as the Knights aim to bring home more victories!