Bulldog Water Polo Finish Second in ILH
Taylor Gray, Sports Writer
November 3, 2009
Filed under Photos, Sports, Top Stories, Water Polo
In the beginning of the season, the Bulldog Water Polo team made a goal to make it to playoffs and ultimately win the championships. Under new coaches Bill Brady and Geoffery Long, the team worked hard, practicing after school every day and practicing on Saturdays at 7 in the morning.
“The team put in the effort, and finished the season strong,” Said Coach Brady. The Bulldogs finished the season in 3rd place over the Iolani Raiders and the Pac -5 Wolfpack, insuring them a spot in the playoffs.
Le Jardin’s first game of the playoffs was against the second seeded Kamehameha Warriors. The Bulldogs obtained the lead in the second half and maintained it beating the Warriors with the final score of 8-4, yet the Bulldogs lost an essential part of the team when Elijah Jennings was ejected for the championship game.
Meeting the Bulldogs in the championship game was the first seeded Punahou Buffanblu who beat the fourth seeded Iolani Raiders 10-6 to advance.
The Bulldogs struck in the first half with goals from seniors Will Thayer and Taylor Gray. Defense was also crucial for the Bulldogs who had the lead at half 6-5, but Punahou’s endless numbers on the bench took a toll on the Bulldogs in the second half.
“It was like playing 2 completely different teams,” said senior Travis Parke.
The bulldogs lost the game 17-11, yet the Boys Water Polo team tied a single season record for Le Jardin with the best finish, which resulted in them advancing to the championship game. Congrats Bulldogs on an amazing season!!