The varsity boys water polo team saw its season end on Thursday, November 12, losing 5-14 to Los Gatos in the second round of the Division I CCS tournament. The loss concluded what had been a turnaround year for the Eagles.

After failing to make it to CCS last year, the team’s biggest goal for the 2015 season was to place fourth in leagues which ultimately ensured them a run at CCS, yet the Eagles did just that and more. The Eagles went into the league tournament standing at fifth place, but ended second overall. After their league performance, the Eagles secured the eighth seed in CCS.

The Eagles achieved their season long goal because of their team chemistry. Going to away tournaments offered the team quality team bonding time which is clearly visible in the pool.

“On any team, being close friends outside of the pool affects how you are as a team, you know if you know each other personally, you are going to play better together.” sophomore Kyle Sandell said.

Los Altos looks to improve upon their defense before the first CCS game. They recognize that in order to be unstoppable in future games, they must clean up their defense and work on communicating more amongst each other.

“[We need to] communicate better as a team and communicate where [the other team’s] star players are so we do not leave them wide open, and [overall] making sure we have our heads on a swivel and not leaving any one person wide open.” sophomore Connor Brett said.

During practice, the team’s dynamics are put to the test and improve with each day. The boys’ ability to work well as a team proves they belong playing against best teams in CCS.

“We have been playing with each other for so long that we know [how everyone performs] in the pool,” junior Nick Rodriguez said. “We know how [each teammates] want the passes or if someone is driving, we know where to go, so it really helps us come together.”