Polytechnic Panthers Can’t Stay Afloat in Season Finale
By Aaron Valdez
Despite going 14-9 overall, the Panthers of Polytechnic boys’ water polo couldn’t make a significant splash in the Prep League as their final game of the regular season on Tuesday came in a 8-5 loss to Brentwood.
The defeat snapped Polytechnic’s four-game win streak and dropped its league record to 3-5. This streak was one victory shy of matching its longest of the season, which came in the first couple weeks, including wins over St. Francis, Mark Keppel, Glendale, El Rancho and Pasadena.
Tuesday’s contest saw the Panthers put up a relatively good fight against Brentwood, who had already laid claim to the Prep League crown. In the first half, Polytechnic kept it close as it only trailed Brentwood 4-3 heading into the break.
However, Brentwood went on to open a three-goal lead in the third quarter, giving it enough cushion to comfortably close out the game over the Panthers. Polytechnic finished fifth in the Prep league standings, ahead of only last-place La Salle at 0-7.
It is still unknown if Polytechnic will qualify for the CIF playoffs but the bracket will go live Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. on the official CIF website. Last season, the Panthers owned an identical record and qualified for the playoffs where they defeated Sierra Vista in the first round but were eliminated by Nordhoff the following game.