Palo Alto High School’s Boys’ water polo team (8-1) defeated Monta Vista 10-7 on Thursday Oct. 13.

The Vikings got off to a strong start with a steal by Bret Pinsker (’13) followed by a goal with a just under six minutes left in the first quarter. Will Conner (’14) continued to drive toward the goal and sent the ball into the top left corner increasing the Vikings’ lead to 2-0.

Daniel Armitano (‘12) had a huge presence in the goal and blocked 2 Matador shots within the first couple minutes of the game.

Armintano had a total of 10 saves in today’s game.

“Armitano had an awesome game despite his almost broken finger,” captain Aaron Zelinger (‘12) said.

The Monta Vista Matadors were able to break thorough the Vikings’ defense to score but Nelsen Perla-Ward (’15) was quick to respond with a goal to maintain the Vikings lead. The Matadors countered again with another goal bringing the score to 3-2. Conner and Pinsker solidified the team’s lead with a goal each to end the first quarter with a score of 5-2.

Conner came out strong again going into the second quarter with a goal adding to the Viking’s aggressive offense. The Matadors responded with 2 goals closing the gap to 4-6 to end the half.

To begin the third quarter, Pinsker and Brian Berry (’13) each scored a goal giving the Vikings a commanding lead at 8-4. Paly’s defense remained strong, only allowing one goal in the remainder of the third quarter.

At 8-5 in the final quarter, the Vikings scored two more goals by Nolan Perla-Ward (‘13) and Pinsker.

The Matadors kept fighting until the end and were able to break through the Paly defense to score 2 goals and bring the final score to 10-7 in the Paly’s favor.

Although the Vikings dominated today’s game offensively, they hope to improve their defense as well.

“We need to be focused on defense just as much as we are focused on offense,” Pinsker said. “[Los Altos] is the only team that we’ve lost to in our league so we needed a good game like this.”

The Vikings will face Los Altos again this Thursday at 6:45 at the Los Altos pool.