Tensions were high before the Oct. 9 water polo game between the No. 4-seed Giants and the No. 1-seed Archie Williams Falcons. After beating the Giants in an earlier season game by six points, the Falcons posted on Instagram before this rematch, using the hashtag “confirmed kill.” Little did they know the Giants were preparing for one of their best performances of the season.
Junior goalie Aurora DeVilbiss, who had an impressive 18 saves and an overall outstanding performance, entered the game determined to get revenge for their early-season defeat
“We lost by a lot last time we played them. I wanted to prove something, and that is why I was playing my best,” DeVilbiss said.
The final score of 8-6 reflected just how far the Giants had come. They stayed consistent throughout the game, meticulously placing shots and locking down the Falcons’ key players.
Sophomore player Sam Riley, who scored three of their eight goals, attributed her performance to a strong early start despite the nerves of a rivalry game.
“I was really nervous to start. But I think getting the early shots and making them really boosted my confidence, which I carried for the rest of the game,” Riley said.
The game was close throughout, with one team scoring, then the other answering with a goal of their own. By the last two minutes of the fourth quarter, the Giants had a one-goal lead at 7-6, and the Falcons called a timeout.
Riley commented on the Giants’ strategy as the final two minutes played out.
“We were trying to focus on staying calm and out of our heads. We knew we wanted [to win] this game more [than the Falcons],” Riley said.
The Giants did just that. They stayed steady for the remaining two minutes, holding the Falcons to no more goals and scoring another goal of their own. The energy from the players and parents was radiant as the Giants celebrated a well-fought win against the top-ranked team in the league.
The Giants will face off against No. 7 seed Marin Catholic on Oct. 14, looking to carry their momentum into another league win.
