CIF-SS playoffs: Palm Desert water polo drops opener in Division 2 draw
The Palm Desert boys' water polo season ended Tuesday with a first-round loss in the CIF-SS playoffs, but it was a conclusion that didn't leave the coaches or players too crestfallen.
Playing in the ultra-competitive Division 2, the Aztecs expected a tough challenge and got one from visiting Northwood High School. The visitors from Irvine jumped out to an 8-2 lead and controlled the game the rest of way, coming away with a 17-9 win over the Aztecs.
Palm Desert trailed 10-4 at the half but scored the first two goals of the third period to cut their deficit to 10-6. The Timberwolves scored seven of the next eight goals to end any rally before it started.
"To be honest, I was pretty pleased with the way it went," said Palm Desert coach Michelle Valovic. "Nobody likes to lose. I certainly don't like to lose, but I knew it was a strong team that we were going to be facing.
"I think we may be a little misplaced division-wise, but I got quite a few of my younger guys in there, sprinkled them in and they got an opportunity to feel the pressure of a CIF game and against a really good team. They learned a couple things so I come away from this game with a really positive outtake."
Senior Jack Baker had a particularly strong game, scoring five of the Aztecs' nine goals, to end his career on a positive note. Will Walz added three goals and Luke Van Buskirk had the other goal for Palm Desert.
The senior group, which includes Baker, Van Buskirk, Finn Hickman, goalie Caleb Rocha, Justice Hayes, Rogelio Parra, Arbaz Nayyar, Nickolas Gin, William Hsieh and Santino Keys will be missed, but the future looks bright as well according to Valovic, and it's because of games like this.
"I was able to play around six guys that will be back next year, and, for example, I had a sophomore in there that had a good opportunity to score and he was looking everywhere to pass the ball and I told him afterward to be aggressive and shoot there," Valovic said. "But he said he was a little nervous and I told him that's good. Now next year when you're in the same position you won't be."
Northwood was led by the impressive Michael Abshier who scored 11 goals in the game. Six different players scored one goal each, including goalie Sidney Francisco De Paulo who made a full-pool shot catching Palm Desert off guard.
There was a moment of levity between the third and fourth quarters when two ducks swooped in and landed in the center of the pool. An official blew his whistle and pointed to the corner, but they didn't budge. Finally, Jack Baker started swimming toward them and they flew away. The crowd booed.
Northwood will continue on in the Division 2 bracket and will play at San Marcos on Thursday.
Shad Powers is a columnist for The Desert Sun. Reach him at shad.powers@desetsun.com.
CIF-SS playoff schedule
THURSDAY'S GAMES
Boys' water polo
D4: Great Oak vs. Xavier Prep at Palm Desert Aquatic Center, 5 p.m.
D5: Cate at La Quinta, 5 p.m.
FOOTBALL
Friday's games (7 p.m.)
D9: Sonora at Rancho Mirage
D10: Xavier Prep at La Quinta
D12: S. El Monte at Coachella Valley
D12: Wilson-Hacienda Heights at Yucca Valley
D13: Jurupa Valley at Desert Hot Springs
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Palm Desert water polo ousted from Division 2 playoffs by Northwood
