Water Polo: Flintridge Prep Earns Wild Card Spot, Loses to Palm Desert

Playing in their first CIF game in six years Tuesday, the Rebels took an early four-goal lead and held off a steady California attack to earn the wild card victory that sent them to Palm Desert Wednesday.

Hoping to pull off the upset of the year in CIF D 5 water polo, Flintridge Prep hopped into the Palm Desert tank ready to go.

Initially, Prep held their own, stopping Palm Desert on their first few possessions. But after an early 5-Meter (one of six in the game against the Rebels) it was clear that this was going to be a physical contest.

Prep watched as PD put three goals on the board to one for the Rebels. But in the second quarter the Rebels ran in to PD's offense --a buzz saw that put eight goals on the board in the second quarter. Staring with a 13-2 halftime deficit, the Rebels were challenged to salvage anything. The third quarter saw PD's starters add five more goals.

But in the fourth, the Rebels found some confidence as they added three more goals. Ethan Vandeventer '14 was the offensive leader for the Rebels. Diego Delgado '15 and Alex Blaine '14 added a goal each. Prep ends the season at 15-12, and with a load of optimism heading into next year. Many thanks to everyone who made this such a memorable year for Flintridge Prep Water Polo.

-- Coach Dan Hare