Water Polo: Boys Beat Pines Charter To Become District Champs

BY KAYLA LOKEINSKY

The Cooper City High School boys’ and girls’ water polo teams competed in their district tournament this past week against Pembroke Pines Charter High School. Although the girls fought hard, they lost by a point, earning them a second place trophy. The boys, on the other hand, defeated the Jaguars and became district champions for the first time in three years. This puts them one step closer to the regional finals and the highly anticipated state tournament.

The district tournament began on Tuesday, April 16 when both teams took on South Broward High School. The boys dominated the pool with ease and maintained a steady lead throughout the entire game, winning with a final score of 15-2. Outstanding scorers of the game were from senior Matt Plunkett with four goals, sophomore Brandon Bogumill with four goals, and junior Connor Geair with four goals. Other standout players were sophomore Aiden Goldberg with six steals and the team’s goalie, junior Sam Culver with 13 saves.

The girl’s team also took on the South Broward Bulldogs, and also maintained a lead throughout the game, with a score of 12-2 at halftime. The Cowboys then slowed down their game, focusing more on defense and allowing the second string players to get more time in the pool.  The Cowboys won the game with a final score of 17-7. Standout players included junior Kelly Chamura with three goals and junior Michelle Gontko with three goals.

These wins put both teams through to the district finals on Wednesday, April 18 where they both played against Pembroke Pines Charter. The girls faced off against the Jaguars, but in the end, the Jaguars beat the Cowboys by with a final score of 7-6.

The boys then played the Jaguars in an exciting head-to-head match. However the Cowboys soon took the lead and held onto it for the duration of the game.  With a score of 14-8, the Cowboys got the victory. Standout players include Bogumil with five goals and Plunket with three. Thanks to the hard work and dedication put in by the boys’ team, the Cowboy’s win has earned them the title of district champions.