The Coronado High School boys’ water polo team returned to the pool this past Friday, taking on the Santana High School Sultans. While the Islanders kept the match tight for much of the first half, they ultimately lost by a final score of 12-6.

“The guys came out early and showed good fight, but we just didn’t execute when we needed to, and that hurt us,” said Head Coach Jesse Smith.

The Islanders have placed extra emphasis this season on “winning” the first period, and against Santana, the team did take another step in the right direction, keeping the game tied 3-3 after the end of one.

Ryan Mondzelewski would connect on two first-period goals, while Leo Salta would also find the back of the net for Coronado. “The first quarter, which has been a struggle for us, was good. Ryan and Leo finding goals was huge,” noted Smith. “We still made a couple of mistakes, but we had some great play in the cage. So overall, I liked how we came out of the gate.”

After three first-quarter scores, Coronado’s offense would be slowed to a near halt, as they would tally only three more goals on the night over the next three periods of play. Mondzelewski, whose play has been excellent this season, would account for two of the three second-half goals, while Jack Elardo would tally the other.

Now, while the Islanders’ defense surrendered 12 goals Friday evening, there were still some bright spots. In the cage, where the Islanders have been rotating their goalie this season, both Jack Loforti and Brayden McLean would come away with saves on three-meter shots. As the season has worn on, both players have continued to make strides.

“Jack and Brayden honestly both played really well against Santana,” commented Smith. “Both of them had a handful of nice saves and were able to come away with some stops on short two and three-meter shots.”

Coronado will be back in action this week, with matches against Torrey Pines on September 17 before hosting the 2024 America’s Finest City Tournament.

“The point of all these games prior to league play is all centered on refinement and improvement. We’re going to be looking to work on our counterattack construction and continuing to find our rhythm as a team.” said Smith. “There are a couple of really good teams in the tournament, and this weekend should be a big opportunity for us.”

Among the teams in the field will be the Menlo School, coached by 1991 CHS graduate and former Team USA water polo player Jack Bowen. Bowen and Smith’s paths have crossed before, both playing for Team USA water polo during their playing careers.

“Jack is a great coach and a great man. It will be great to see him. It’s very cool for him to bring down his team to play in the tournament and support and engage with our program.” said Smith

The tournament will start this Friday, September 20, and run until Saturday, September 21. All games are set to be played at the Coronado BBMAC.