On Nov. 12, boys’ varsity water polo team defeated Monte Vista High School in the semifinal match of the North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs with a final score of 14-11 in a tight game, securing them a spot in the NCS championship game. The game was back and forth through two and a half quarters when Redwood scored three straight goals to put them up 11-8 heading into the fourth quarter, a lead that never ceased.

Sophomore Storm Jackson scored two of the three goals for Redwood at the end of the third quarter. By the end of the game, Jackson had felt less confident in Redwood maintaining the lead.

 “With three minutes left in the game, we felt like we still had to keep going because it could’ve been them or us the whole time,” Jackson said. 

Early on, Redwood couldn’t seem to find a rhythm with a couple of key players in foul trouble; multiple starting players fouled out during the first quarter. Jackson felt like players that are often less represented players kept the team alive.

“The guys who usually don’t [usually] play as many minutes really stepped up and filled the gap of our guys who fouled out,” Jackson said.

By talking out their defense and offensive schemes, the Giants effectively dominated possession.

Sophomore William Mills is in his first season with the Giants after transferring from Saint Ignatius this fall and has noticed the positive mindset that the Giants hold day-to-day to keep the spirit alive. For this game, Mills felt the energy in the water.

“We came in with a great mindset, locking in on defense, and had great spirit and communication,” Mills said.

One of Mills’ big takeaways for this game was how deep the Giants can go into their roster without sacrificing a high level of play.

“This game really showed the power in our team and the number of solid players we have, which makes me super confident in the future and the capability of us as a whole.”

The championship game against Alameda High School will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Redwood’s pool.