By Patrick Ryan

The boys’ water polo team fell to the nation’s top team Mater Dei today 14-5. The loss brings the Wolverines record to 4-4 on the season as they head into America’s Finest Tournament in Coronado this coming weekend.

The Wolverines were within a goal of Mater Dei at the end of the first quarter, trailing 3-2. However, Mater Dei surged before halftime scoring 4 goals to take a 7-3 lead. The Wolverines were held scoreless in the third period as Mater Dei took control of the game. 

“They are the best team in the nation. They have won 51 games in a row, and are considered the top team in the nation and maybe the best team of all time,” Head Coach Brian Flacks ’06 said.

The Wolverines played Mater Dei in a Santa Barbara Tournament this past Friday and lost 14-9 during that contest. Mater Dei was ranked as the best team in the Division I Southern Section preseason coaches poll, while the Wolverines were ranked eighth.

“The first quarter was good,” Andrew Miller ’13 said. “We came out strong, there were good things, we were able to find open looks occasionally and we were able to do all the things except finish goals and easy opportunities. When it comes to the playoffs, if we ever see Mater Dei, that’s the only time that matters if we beat them. So if we play Mater Dei in the playoffs, that’s the game that’s going to matter and that’s the game we prepare for.”