URGENT UPDATE: Soquel High’s boys water polo team faced a tough defeat against the powerhouse Sacred Heart Prep in the Central Coast Section playoffs, losing 10-7 in a dramatic semifinal match on October 26, 2023, at Gilroy High.
In a fiercely contested battle, the No. 5 seed Knights showcased remarkable skill and determination, leading the defending champions by a goal at halftime. However, the 17-time section champion Gators rallied in the second half, scoring five goals while holding Soquel to just one.
Coach Ryan Chapatte expressed pride in his team’s performance, stating, “Losing sucks, but I think we can take some positives away from tonight’s game.” He emphasized the team’s fighting spirit, saying, “You’re not gonna beat a team like 17-time CCS champ Sacred Heart if you don’t truly believe you can do it.”
Soquel, the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League champion, demonstrated their prowess earlier in the tournament by becoming the first Santa Cruz County team to win an Open Division game against No. 4 Los Gatos, edging them 12-11 in the quarterfinals.
The Knights, now with a record of 23-5, showed impressive teamwork, with junior goalie Rafael Suarez-Abraham making crucial saves and junior Sam Robertson scoring three goals in the first half. The team executed five assists on their first six goals, showcasing their offensive strategy.
However, foul trouble hampered Soquel’s second half, allowing Sacred Heart Prep to seize the momentum and capitalize on their extra-man opportunities. Coach Chapatte noted, “Our offense went stagnant… We weren’t getting open or setting each other up.”
With this semifinal loss, Soquel’s season is not over. Their strong performance has qualified them for the upcoming CIF NorCal Regional playoffs, where they will learn their division placement and first-round opponent on October 29. The regional playoffs are set to begin on October 31 at 5 PM.
As Sacred Heart Prep prepares to face No. 2 Menlo for the Open title on Saturday at 4:05 PM, all eyes are on Soquel as they look to continue their season in the regional playoffs. Fans and supporters are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on their next matchup!
