In their first league game of the season, the boys water polo team defeated Homestead High School 12-7.

The game started off strong for the Vikings with an outside shot from Nick Hoffs (‘22) in the first 30 seconds of the game. Their momentum continued throughout the first quarter with strong blocks from Spencer Soohoo (‘21). 

“It felt really awesome to start the game with a goal because it started the momentum, and then we just laid it on them,” Hoffs said. 

Ryan Stanley (‘19) ended the first quarter with a cross cage shot in a power play. The Vikings held their dominance in the first quarter with a score of 5-1. 

Soohoo blocked an outside skip shot which helped the boys to continue their lead into the second quarter. 

“Obviously Spencer had a great game tonight and I’m really proud of him,” Coach Look said. 

Dexter Gormley (‘19) scored a high corner backhand shot, assisted from Zander Darby (‘21), with three minutes left in the third quarter. The Viking extended their lead, 11-5, after the third quarter. 

“When you get a midsize lead they start to leaving early and that means you have to adjust your defensive game plan on the fly. We were able to do that,” Coach Look said. 

Defense was essential to securing Paly’s victory in the fourth quarter. Gormley and Stanley followed through on their defensive plan with three and two steals respectively. 

The boys’ communication on defense was crucial to their success during the last minutes of the final quarter. Soohoo ended the game with an important block in the last 20 seconds to secure Paly’s win. 

The Paly boys water polo team started off the season strong with a win against Homestead. They are looking forward to their next game on Tuesday against Los Altos, whom they beat in the 2018 CCS Championship game.