After two wins to start the season, the boys’ water polo team fell short for the first time this season, losing 8-4 to the Mater Dei Monarchs on Thursday night. This marks the team’s 10th loss in the last five seasons.

The Wolverines defeated the Monarchs in both meetings last season, but brought a weaker offensive attack this year, failing to capitalize on opportunities in the fourth quarter that could have helped to close the gap. Mater Dei’s goalkeeper came up with 11 saves.

Goalkeeper Sam Krutonog ’18 admits that he could have blocked more shots than he did, noting that most of the opponent’s shorts were well-contested by the press defense. The team ultimately found it difficult to keep up with such a talented roster, especially Stanford commit Jackson Seybold who put three goals past Krutonog.

The Monarchs played with more aggressiveness and physicality, things that the Wolverines struggled to counter defensively with a small lineup.  

Players still remain convinced that they have an advantage over bigger, stronger teams, like Mater Dei. What the team is missing most from last year’s seniors is talent, according to Krutonog, but he believes that the team has the work ethic and discipline that will bring success this season.

“[The Monarchs] are overall on paper more talented than us, but we work harder, are better coached, and we will come more prepared next time,” Krutonog said.

The team will partake in the Elite 8 Tournament, which is set to begin on Sept. 14 at home.