Sharks Dominate Notre Dame in Home Opener

The Sharks home opener went just about as well as you could ask.  The stands were full of fans, it was a beautiful afternoon, the Shark Shack was serving up delicious food and the Sharks played excellent water polo. 

To be fair, the Division I Notre Dame Titans look like they are in a rebuilding
phase and didn’t pose nearly the threat they have in past seasons. But still it was important for the Sharks to get off to a good start.

First up was the varsity boys team and quickly the Sharks were up 5 to 1 by the end of the first quarter and 9 to 1 by half time. The second half was spent with the team mostly practicing different plays and often trying not to run the score up. 

The game ended with the Sharks winning 17-5. Highlights included senior Emmet Pierson scoring six goals, with one assist and two steals. Sophomore Owen Franz scored four goals and had two steals. Senior Morgan Hathorn had one goal, three assists and two steals.

Dane Sartorius was solid in goal and but had only seven blocks as the defense for the Sharks didn’t give the Titans much of a chance to shoot. Junior Jack Thompson played in goal in the fourth quarter and made two great blocks.

Next up was the junior varsity team and they absolutely dominated the Titans. The score was 7 to 0 at the end of the first quarter and 11-0 at half time. By the time it was over the final score was 16-6. Highlights included Phillipe Campanella with seven goals, one assist and two steals. Max Nye and Kai Shultz each had two goals. Jake Durrant had two assists and two steals.

The third ranked Sharks still have a few games before league play starts. Their next game is Tuesday and they play on the road against the Rio Mesa Spartans.  The Spartans are the 2010 CIF Champions, but are ranked ninth in pre-season polls.