Monarchs Undeterred

The Grizzlies boys’ water polo team went into the game looking for revenge against the Monarchs, who previously defeated them in their own pool.

The Monarchs took the dreams of the Grizzlies getting revenge and crushed them. Despite the Monarchs missing a key senior player, they still disappointed the Grizzlies 8-6.

“One of two seniors was out hurt, it was a time for the other guys to step up,” said Exeter coach Chris Goodwin. 

Granite Hills went into the first quarter ready to play and get that revenge. Mitchell Rice went in and showed the Monarchs just how badly he wanted to win by scoring the first goal within seconds of the opening whistle.

“They have a lot of strong players,” said Exeter’s Zack Schuler. “We just had to find their weakness.”

Rice and Erik Bartlett led the Grizzlies, scoring three goals each. 

“We had so many new players that came out this year not knowing how to play and not having a swimming background,” Rice said. “They have improved so much, I am proud of them.”

With the second quarter firing up Schuler had enough of the Grizzlies being ahead and started to score. 

With Schuler gaining a lead he got a five-meter shot. Grizzlies goalie Jon Orosco took the chance to get his team pumped up and blocked the shot. Orosco led the Grizzlies’ defense having 14 blocks.

“Jon had a good game, he had good skills on their counter attacks,” said Bartlett.

As the game winded down, Granite’s team work fell apart, coach Drew Miller said.

“We played a good first and third quarter,” Miller said, ”we just let the little mistakes catch up in the fourth.”

The Grizzlies travel to Tulare to take on the Mustangs,