UPDATE: In a thrilling Central Coast Section playoff showdown, the Soquel High boys water polo team faced a tough defeat against the powerhouse Sacred Heart Prep of Atherton, losing 10-7 in the Open Division semifinals on November 2, 2023, at Gilroy High.
The No. 5 seed Knights started strong, leading at halftime, but the defending champion Gators rallied in the second half to secure the win, marking their 13th straight section title. This victory cements Sacred Heart Prep’s dominance, having won 17 Central Coast Section championships in total, including every Open title since the division’s inception in 2017.
“Losing sucks, but I think we can take some positives away from tonight’s game,” said Knights coach Ryan Chapatte. “We showed up not just to compete; we had the attitude and mindset to win, and that’s huge.”
Soquel, which ended the season with a record of 23-5, had a commendable performance, leading 6-5 at halftime thanks to junior Sam Robertson, who scored three goals in the first half. The team executed their game plan effectively, registering assists on five of their first six goals.
However, the momentum shifted in the second half as the Gators outscored the Knights 5-1. Soquel struggled with foul trouble, allowing Sacred Heart Prep to capitalize on extra-man opportunities. “Our offense went stagnant,” Chapatte noted, acknowledging the Gators’ strong defensive play.
The Knights made history by becoming the first team from Santa Cruz County to win an Open Division game earlier in the playoffs, edging No. 4 Los Gatos 12-11 in the quarterfinals. Their journey in the Open Division, however, will extend as they qualify for the CIF NorCal Regional playoffs.
Soquel will find out their placement, seed, and first-round opponent on Sunday, with the regional playoffs set to begin on Tuesday at 5 PM.
This season marks a significant achievement for the Knights, showcasing their potential against elite competition. Coach Chapatte expressed pride in his team’s effort, stating, “We were patient on offense, not forcing anything, and executing our game plan on defense.”
The Knights’ resilience and competitive spirit have set a hopeful tone for their upcoming regional playoff run, making them a team to watch in the days ahead.
