Boys’ varsity water polo suffered a tough loss earlier this week against Drake, who handed the Giants their first loss of the season.

The team lost Wednesday’s matchup 15-4 against Drake, who is now ranked first in MCAL, making Redwood 2-1 on the season with a 1-1 record in MCAL league play.

Senior Schyler Ruhland said he believes one of the main reasons the team lost was from coming into the game intimidated by their opponent.

“When we meet some people who are better than us, we kind of cripple in the water and don’t play as fast as we could,” Ruhland said.

Ruhland also said that Drake’s superior speed allowed them to score a few fast-break points throughout the game.

The Redwood team was competitive with Drake at the beginning of the game, according to sophomore Giorgio Cico, but their play became lethargic and Drake started to pull away.

“I think that our first quarter shows that we can play with anyone in NCS,” said captain Zack Cohen.

Cohen said that despite Wednesday’s performance he feels optimistic about the rest of the season.

“Redwood water polo is on the rise, and everyone else in the league should be afraid” Cohen said.

The team suits up next against MCAL opponent San Rafael on September 20 at 5 p.m.