The boys’ water polo team finished in third place in the Elite 8 Tournament on Sept. 16. After falling to Huntington Beach 9-8 on Friday, the team defeated them on Saturday to secure third place. The Wolverines faced a 10-8 deficit heading into the fourth quarter and scored four unanswered goals in the final quarter.

“The last win against Huntington Beach proved that our squad can play with anyone, especially when we are the aggressors,” goalkeeper Sam Krutonog ’18 said.

Krutonog attributes the win against Huntington Beach to strong defense, coaching and teamwork.

“The coolest part of the last game was that my teammates had my back,” Krutonog said. “I wasn’t playing my best, but the coaching staff kept their trust in me, and my teammates had a terrific fourth quarter of defense.”

The team lost to Oaks Christian on Saturday morning 9-6, and Oaks went on to win the tournament, beating Sacred Heart in the final.

Despite losing to Oaks, Huntington Beach and Mater Dei all in the span of one week, players remain optimistic, citing the team’s youth and that expectations are not high this season. Players also mentioned that the focus of the season is, as always, November: CIF time.

“Regardless of the score, it’s about doing the right things to win and having a great attitude,” Krutonog said.

The Wolverines will face off against Newport at home Tuesday.