The Palo Alto girls’ water polo team defeated Carlmont 9-8 in CCS semi-finals on thursday under the Paly pool lights.

The Lady Vikes started the game off strong as Gigi Rojhan (’16) won first sprint. Soon after Joanna Falla (’17) blocked the Scotts’ first shot of the game. After a string of fouls and missed shots Carlmont recieved a 5-meter shot and scored the first goal of the game. Falla blocked the Scotts’ last shot of the quarter with 45 seconds left. The Scotts led 1-0 going into the second quarter.

The second quarter started off just as strong with the lady vikes won the second sprint, followed by a missed shot by Tess Van Hulsen (’15). Soon after the Vikings turned the ball over to the Scotts leading to the second goal of the game. Followed by a missed shot by Van Hulsen. To end the second quarter, Rojhan scored the Vikings’ first goal of the game assisted by Izzy Kelly (’17).

The Vikes won the sprint for the third time, followed by a goal in the first 30 seconds by Katie Francis (’16) to start off the third quarter. Rojhan tipped off of Carlmont’s shot and caused a turn over, pushing Paly the defensive position. The ball went back and forth, but Paly gained control and Francis put in another shot. With three minutes left, Van Hulsen scored a shot off a 5 meter to the score 5-5. Carlmont won the ball back soon after and scored the last goal of the quarter end with the score 6-5.

Paly ended the game strong by winning the fourth and final sprint of the game. Olivia Scola (’15) drove to the goal and scored within the first 30 seconds of the quarter. Paly’s success continued as Falla blocked a Carlmont shot and Van Hulsen scored another goal. With only 3:45 left in the half, Van Hulsen was kicked out. Francis helped maintain their lead by scoring off of a 5-meter shot. Carlmont fired back and scored on Falla with 2:45 left. Scola drew a foul and won Paly back the ball. Carlmont tied the game 8-8 with only one minute left. Paly’s momentum carried on as Francis scored the winning goal off an assist from Rojhan in the last 12 seconds.

Rojhan gave her thoughts about the game and the different technics the Vikings focused on.

“We started off not very strong but improved as the game went on. We started playing more as a team and helping back on defense which really helped us in the end,” Rojhan said.

Francis also commented on the team’s effort and her excitement about the win.

“I think the whole team played really well I think this was our best game of the season. I’m really excited that we won I think we definitely earned it,” Francis said.

Coach Aileen Delany voiced her thoughts on the game and how the team will prepare for their next game.

“We focused a lot on defense in preparing for this game. We also had a lot of momentum coming off of our win on Tuesday. As we look to Saturday in our game against gun I think we are going to focus on the same things as today such as defense and helping each other out in defending,” Delany said.

The Lady Vikes will take on Gunn this Saturday.