Varsity boys’ water polo season starts

Ava Blau-Grinsel and Gavin Tillman

September 23, 2025

The Cougars start off the season with a winning record of 6-0

As of Sept. 3, VHS boys’ water polo is undefeated in their league. Graphic by: Gavin Tillman

This year, VHS boys’ varsity water polo has begun their season with a winning streak after a summer of training. They’ve started by winning every game with a 6-0 record, as of Sept. 3. Their biggest win ended with a final score of 19-3 on Aug. 22, which was a home game against Oak Park High School. The other games they’ve played so far include a 24-12 win against Newbury Park High School to start the season, a 16-7 win against Canyon High School, a 16-9 win against Notre Dame High School, a 13-7 win against Temple High School and their most recent win against Royal High School ending 11-9.

Matthew Cherrie, who is the head coach of the varsity boys’ water polo team, said, “We are ahead of last season [the players] are more familiar with each other and the system, embracing their separate roles better. We got off to a 5-0 start [to the season].”

Their winning start to the season came after a summer of practices, consisting of three mornings a week and Monday night league in Santa Barbara. Many players also train and compete on different club teams, separately from VHS.

On the Sept. 4 game against Royal High School, goalie Lucas Wilson ‘29 saved a game deciding shot in the forth quarter. Photo by: Gavin Tillman

Their most recent game, as of Sept. 3, against Royal High School was their closest yet. In the first half, they were down by three to Royal. In the second half the team’s defense was able to help them come back and win with a final score of 11-9. Goalie Lucas Wilson ‘29 only allowed two goals to slip by in the entire second half. “I think we [did better in the second half as opposed to the first half because we] just started coming together as a team more in the second half. We were communicating much better and taking more shots,” said Wilson.

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About the Contributors

Ava Blau-Grinsel, Managing Editor in Chief

Ava Blau-Grinsel is a sophomore at VHS in her second year at The Cougar Press. She loves music, the ocean and trying new foods.

Gavin Tillman, Staffer

Gavin Tillman is a freshman in his first year at The Cougar Press. He likes swimming, hanging out with friends, watching F1, playing fortnite and watching football. His favorite football team is the Seahawks and his favorite F1 driver is Max Verstappen.