Boys’ water polo: Captain says Falcons need better teamwork

As the Falcons reached the end of their home game against Lynbrook on Oct. 11, team captain Grant Guzzo shook his head. The team lost the game 11-1, and lack of teamwork played a big part in it, Guzzo said.

“Our hardships mainly consisted of team dynamic and dedication, as the seniors this year are the last people with serious water polo culture,” Guzzo said. “It took about half the season to really get [the other players] into not only making themselves better, but the team better.”

After beating Fremont on Oct. 13 with a score of 10-6, the team has a 7-4 record.

According to Guzzo, the team’s strengths and weaknesses have become evident throughout the season.

“We have hardly any trouble setting up or getting back on defense,” Guzzo said. “However, we often make bad passes or leave a man open on defense the split second he needs to shoot the ball.”

The team had been on a winning streak during the earlier stages of the season, coming out victorious four games back to back, including a 7-6 win against Santa Clara on Sept. 27, an 8-6 win against Cupertino on Sept. 29 and a 15-2 win against Milpitas on Oct. 4. The streak ended, however, with a 13-5 loss to Harker on Oct. 6. The team also lost against Lynbrook on Oct. 11 by the score of 8-3.

“When we were playing Cupertino, [the players] were dead-silent,” Guzzo said. “No one really talks in the water, and the juniors don’t have the experience to act quickly enough.”

Despite these setbacks, Guzzo believes that as long as the team focuses on communication and dedication, they will be able to carry some momentum into the postseason.

“Personally I’m looking forward to our team dynamic in these next games,” Guzzo said.

Although according to Guzzo, the dynamics of the team has improved drastically over the season, it is unlikely for the team to male CCS as only the top team proceeds for their league.

“It would be very difficult for us to beat either Harker or Lynbrook, which are surprisingly good teams compared to the rest of the league with far more experienced players than us,” senior David Nguyen said. “It’s not impossible, but I think it’s unlikely.”

Due to printing deadlines, the Falcon was unable to cover the game against Santa Clara High on Oct. 18.